Trump reacts to reported Iran assassination plot
Trump is publicly rattled by reports that Iran wants him dead, and the reaction is fueling tighter security and more hostility toward Iran — bad for anyone hoping the conflict cools off.
- Trump said he's long been "number one" on Iran's kill list and has left orders to bomb Iran at unprecedented levels if he's harmed.
- New fences and fortifications are going up around the White House, with streets and parks nearby being closed off.
- The claim traces back to a Wall Street Journal report, and Israel is seen as pushing it because keeping Trump angry at Iran serves its interest in restarting the war.
- After the US and Israel killed Iranian leaders, Iran having reason to retaliate is treated here as obvious rather than shocking.
- Trump is faulted for taking Israel's word at face value despite its history of misleading the US.
Outlook: Expect heavier White House security and continued pressure to keep the Iran conflict hot.