Former President Donald Trump recently dismissed a troubling statement made by Mohammad-Javad Larijani, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, during a televised conversation about Iran’s military capabilities. On July 9, Larijani joked about a potential attack on Trump while he was at his Mar-a-Lago resort, suggesting that a micro-drone could target him while he was sunbathing. He followed this remark by claiming that Iran “fights like men,” thereby minimizing the seriousness of his suggestion.
This comment raised concerns due to Trump’s regular visits to Mar-a-Lago and occurred just weeks after the U.S. conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. When questioned about the remark during a Fox News interview, Trump seemed unfazed. Responding humorously, he noted that he hadn’t sunbathed since he was about seven years old. He then casually stated, “I guess it’s a threat… I’m sure it’s not a threat, actually, but perhaps it is.”
Trump’s nonchalance followed his assertion that he would “absolutely” contemplate bombing Iran again if intelligence suggested alarming nuclear enrichment. He stressed that both Iran and Israel were “exhausted” and currently more focused on survival than on nuclear development.
In reaction to Larijani’s comments, the U.S. Secret Service refrained from discussing specific threats but highlighted that they function in a high-alert environment and remain dedicated to safeguarding all individuals under their protection, including the former president.
Although likely meant as a provocation, Laraine’s comment has drawn renewed attention to the ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S., especially concerning Trump’s military decisions.