Washington, D.C. – May 2025
In a stunning revelation, former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has claimed that Iran keeps a secret “assassination list,” with former President Donald Trump at the top. According to Bolton, the Islamic Republic’s longstanding retaliation plans are still active years after the drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani in 2020. In a recent interview, Bolton warned that Trump and other senior U.S. officials remain targets of Iranian vengeance.
The Soleimani Strike: A Trigger for Revenge
On January 3, 2020, under Trump’s orders, a U.S. drone strike killed General Qassem Soleimani, the leader of Iran’s elite Quds Force, near Baghdad International Airport. Soleimani’s death, a significant blow to Iranian leadership, led to immediate threats from Tehran for “severe revenge.” The strike also escalated tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with both nations on the brink of open conflict.
Iran retaliated in the days following the attack by launching ballistic missile strikes on two U.S. military bases in Iraq, injuring several American soldiers. However, Iranian authorities made it clear that this retaliation was just the beginning, and they would continue seeking revenge for Soleimani’s death.
John Bolton’s Allegations: Iran’s Long-term Vengeance
During an interview with The Washington Examiner, Bolton, who was involved in the decision to eliminate Soleimani, stated that Iran had been actively plotting against U.S. officials ever since. He revealed that former President Trump, as the key figure behind the strike, is at the top of Iran’s assassination list.
“Trump is at the top of the list because he was the president who authorized the attack. But others, like Mike Pompeo and myself, are also targets,” Bolton said.
Bolton’s warning is not a new one; since Soleimani’s death, several American officials have been placed under high-level security protection due to fears of Iranian retaliation. However, Bolton’s comments underscore the ongoing threat from Tehran, suggesting that Iran’s desire for revenge remains strong.
Iranian Retaliation: Targeting High-Profile U.S. Figures
Bolton’s claim isn’t an isolated incident. In 2022, U.S. authorities charged a member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) with plotting to assassinate Bolton himself. That same year, other prominent figures, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, were also identified as potential assassination targets.
The Iranian government’s desire for retribution is not limited to the immediate aftermath of Soleimani’s death. U.S. intelligence agencies have warned that Iran continues to maintain its efforts to target former administration officials involved in the drone strike, despite the passage of years.
The Department of Justice has been active in prosecuting alleged IRGC agents involved in assassination plots, further indicating the seriousness of these threats.
The U.S. Government’s Response to Iranian Threats
In response to these ongoing threats, U.S. officials, including Trump and other high-ranking members of the former administration, are under enhanced protection. The Secret Service and FBI are constantly assessing the level of danger posed by Iranian operatives, with intelligence sources actively monitoring for potential attempts on American lives.
Despite the ongoing risks, the U.S. government has not backed down from its stance on Iran. The Biden administration has continued to impose sanctions on Iranian officials, including individuals tied to the IRGC and its assassination plots.
Iran’s Propaganda and Continued Threats
While the Iranian government officially denies involvement in any assassination attempts, its state-run media continues to glorify Soleimani and emphasize the importance of retribution. In fact, in 2024, a propaganda film aired on Iranian television depicting the assassination of Donald Trump, signaling Tehran’s continued focus on avenging Soleimani’s death.
“Iran’s regime has a well-documented history of utilizing both diplomatic pressure and violence to achieve its aims,” said Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “Retaliation, whether through assassination or other forms of unconventional warfare, remains a key part of their strategy.”
The Implications for U.S. National Security
The ongoing threat from Iran presents serious national security challenges for the U.S. Not only are former officials at risk, but the broader U.S. presence in the Middle East remains vulnerable to Iranian-backed militias. While the U.S. military has adjusted its defensive postures, the threat from Iranian proxies continues to loom large, especially in conflict zones like Iraq and Syria.
Additionally, the continued focus on retaliation underscores the volatile nature of the U.S.-Iran relationship. With no formal diplomatic relations and tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and military activities, the likelihood of further retaliation by Tehran remains high.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Soleimani Strike
John Bolton’s comments serve as a chilling reminder of the long-term consequences of U.S. actions in the Middle East. The assassination of Qassem Soleimani set off a chain of events that has left high-ranking U.S. officials, including Trump, vulnerable to Iranian retaliation. As tensions between the two nations persist, the specter of assassination plots continues to hang over American foreign policy.
With Iran’s desire for revenge still alive, U.S. intelligence agencies and security forces remain on high alert. The world will continue to watch as the geopolitical repercussions of the Soleimani strike unfold.
