The Islamic Republic of Iran has recently provided the United States with a written assurance that it does not seek to assassinate Donald Trump, the former U.S. President. This move came in response to a formal warning from the Biden administration, which regarded threats against Trump as a national security issue and even an act of war. This assurance may indicate Tehran's efforts to de-escalate tensions with Washington, especially amid speculation about Trump’s potential return to the presidency. The roots of this tension trace back to Iran's vow for revenge over the U.S.'s killing of Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
Nevertheless, Washington has firmly stated that any action against U.S. officials or citizens would result in severe consequences. On the other hand, the Islamic Republic has denied allegations regarding plans to assassinate Trump, though evidence of Iran’s previous efforts to carry out such actions has been presented. This move by the Islamic Republic can be analyzed from two perspectives:
1. Efforts to ease international pressure: The written assurance may aim to prevent the escalation of sanctions or avoid more severe diplomatic actions against Iran. 2. Political calculations, both domestic and international: Given the possibility of Trump returning to power, Iran appears to be managing tensions to avoid direct confrontation with a potentially new U.S. administration. This step might also signal strategic changes in Iran’s foreign policy approach, driven by its economic challenges and the necessity to reduce international tensions. The news has been sourced from international outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Reuters, which, citing U.S. officials, confirmed that the Islamic Republic of Iran provided a written assurance to the United States last month, stating that it does not intend to target Donald Trump.