Former Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander Hossein Kanani Moghaddam stated that Tehran could assassinate US President Donald Trump inside the White House, according to statements made to Iranian news outlet Fararu. Moghaddam, a former senior commander in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said Iran is 'capable' of carrying out such an operation 'whenever necessary.' The statements come amid escalating US-Iran military tensions following intensified American strikes on Iranian territory over the weekend. Moghaddam emphasized that revenge and retaliation 'remain firmly on the table,' rejecting the notion that current negotiations seek peaceful resolution. The comments reflect deepening friction over US military control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping chokepoint handling nearly 20 percent of global oil supply.
Iran Rejects Peace Negotiations with Washington
Moghaddam told Fararu that Tehran is not pursuing peaceful resolution in current discussions with Washington. 'We are not negotiating with the Americans for peace. We are negotiating to reduce tensions,' he stated. The former commander clarified that negotiations aim to 'restore our rights and clarify the accusations made against us by the United States.' He added: 'As for revenge and retaliation, they remain firmly on the table.'
US Military Strikes Intensify on Iranian Territory
American military strikes on Iran intensified over the weekend, pushing deeper inland away from coastal areas. Trump previously promised to strike Iran 'very hard,' criticizing Tehran for not agreeing to a peace treaty. Speaking on Monday, Trump announced US military plans to control the Strait of Hormuz, stating: 'Now we're going to guard it, and we're going to get paid for guarding it.'
Iranian military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari condemned America's 'repeated provocations and destabilising actions,' warning the behavior could trigger wider conflict. Zolfaghari issued a warning to regional nations: 'The leaders of the countries in the region are warned that any cooperation with the United States or logistical support for its military will be regarded as an act of war against Iran's sovereignty and national security.'
Oil Prices Spike Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions
Oil prices spiked over the weekend following concerns that Iran will shut down the strait completely. Shipping traffic has already declined through the chokepoint, which handles nearly 20 percent of the world's oil supply. The escalating tensions have raised fears of broader disruption to global energy markets.
FAQ
What did former Iranian commander Hossein Kanani Moghaddam say about Trump?
Former IRGC commander Hossein Kanani Moghaddam told Iranian news outlet Fararu that Iran could assassinate Donald Trump inside the White House, stating Tehran is 'capable of doing that' whenever necessary. He emphasized that revenge and retaliation remain firmly on the table.
Why did oil prices increase over the weekend?
Oil prices spiked following fears that Iran will completely shut down the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating US-Iran military tensions. The strait handles nearly 20 percent of the world's oil supply, and shipping traffic through the chokepoint has already declined.
What did Trump announce about US military control of the Strait of Hormuz?
Speaking on Monday, Trump stated that the US military will control the Strait of Hormuz and 'get paid for guarding it.' He previously promised to strike Iran 'very hard' for not agreeing to a peace treaty.
