Iran President Denies Plot to Kill Trump, Updates on Supreme Leader's Health

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a rare press briefing in Manhattan on Thursday, under U.S. Secret Service protection, despite ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States. During the conference, Pezeshkian denied U.S. allegations that his government was plotting to assassinate President Donald Trump, stating, "It has never been our position, openly or secretly, to eliminate Trump or his family members." This assertion comes despite state-run Iranian media reports that threatened Trump's son, Barron, and federal indictments filed on the matter.

Pezeshkian also provided an update on the health of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since February, following a severe injury during a U.S. and Israeli attack that killed his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei. According to Pezeshkian, Mojtaba Khamenei is "completely healthy" and they recently met for seven hours, discussing matters while sitting on the floor and walking around the room.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, also present at the briefing, revealed that Tehran had submitted a proposal to the U.S. through intermediaries this week. The offer aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume negotiations for a final agreement. Araghchi stated that the proposal requires the U.S. to meet conditions agreed upon in Islamabad in June within seven days, including lifting sanctions, unfreezing assets, and ceasing military activities, including in Lebanon.

Pezeshkian acknowledged the severe economic challenges posed by U.S. sanctions, which he described as a "silent murder campaign." However, he expressed confidence in Iran's ability to survive and justified attacks on U.S. bases in the region, claiming most are no longer operational. He asserted that while the U.S. has destructive power, Iran's surrender is impossible.

In response, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that the Iranian regime has killed thousands of its citizens, Americans abroad, attacked the Strait of Hormuz, and its neighbors. She affirmed President Trump's commitment to preventing Iran from ever obtaining nuclear weapons.