Trump Threatens To Wipe Iran ‘Off Face Of This Earth’ Over Assassination Threats

United States President Donald Trump has issued a fierce warning to Iran, declaring that the country would be completely destroyed if any assassination attempt against him succeeds amid reported threats from Tehran and ongoing deadly protests rocking the Islamic Republic.

In a strong response to reporters highlighting Iran’s alleged assassination threats and brutal crackdown on protesters – including reports of thousands being burned alive – Trump escalated tensions dramatically. “Anything ever happens, we’re going to blow; the whole country is going to get blown up,” he declared. He further stated, “I have very firm instructions. Anything happens, they’re going to wipe them off the face of this earth.”

The remarks come after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Trump in a defiant Saturday address of inciting “agitators” and branded him a “criminal” responsible for casualties, damages, and slander against the Iranian nation. Khamenei acknowledged “several thousand deaths” during the unrest while claiming key agitators had been detained and that protests had largely subsided, with internet blackouts reimposed.

Protests erupted on December 28, 2025, initially over economic hardships but quickly swelling into widespread anti-regime demonstrations calling for an end to clerical rule. Rights groups report a staggering death toll of 3,090, including 2,885 protesters, verified by the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The crackdown has drawn global condemnation.

Trump, who earlier told Politico in an interview published January 17 that “It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran,” lashed out at Khamenei, calling him “a sick man who should run his country properly and stop killing people.” He criticised the regime for the “complete destruction of the country and the use of violence at levels never seen before,” stressing that “Leadership is about respect, not fear and death.”

The U.S. leader also took a swipe at his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, for not responding firmly to prior threats: “Biden should have said something… why isn’t Biden saying anything? Because he didn’t.” Trump emphasised that presidents must defend one another: “A President has to defend a President… I would absolutely hit them so hard.”

Reports of Iranian taunts, including assassination threats referencing past attempts on Trump and sharing chilling images, have intensified the rhetoric. Trump had previously threatened military intervention and encouraged protesters, saying “help is on its way,” though he later noted the killings had reportedly stopped.

The White House has not issued an immediate comment on the latest remarks, which are expected to further strain U.S.-Iran relations already tense following past events like the 2025 U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Implications for Nigeria and the World For Naija and other OPEC members, escalating U.S.-Iran tensions could spell trouble at the fuel pumps. Iran’s role in global oil supply means any military posturing or disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz risk pushing crude prices higher – bad news for Nigeria, where fuel scarcity and high pump prices remain pain points despite subsidy reforms. Diplomatic ties between Abuja and Tehran exist but are limited; Nigerians watching global affairs will be monitoring for ripple effects on energy costs, remittances, or regional stability in the Middle East that could affect the diaspora.

Experts warn the fiery exchange risks miscalculation in an already volatile region. As protests wane under heavy repression but grievances linger, the world watches whether Trump’s “firm instructions” translate to action or remain tough talk.