Trump asks for military protection amid Iran threat

Donald Trump's campaign has reportedly requested the use of military aircraft and vehicles to provide security for the former president as he campaigns during the final weeks leading up to the election, according to reports in US media.

Following two recent assassination attempts and reports of alleged threats from Iran, Donald Trump's campaign has requested additional security, including military aircraft and vehicles, as he continues his presidential bid.

The US Secret Service confirmed that the former president is receiving "the highest levels of protection" but acknowledged the campaign's request for further measures. President Biden stated that Trump is being protected as if he were a sitting president, adding that if Trump's request aligns with those protections, it should be granted.

Politico reported that US officials now recognize the severity of the Iranian threat to Donald Trump and his former foreign policy team, particularly those involved in the decision to target and kill IRGC General Qasem Soleimani in January 2020.

Iran's attempts to target Donald Trump and former US officials involved in the Soleimani strike are far more aggressive and expansive than previously known, multiple officials aware of the situation told Politico. US authorities have acknowledged the seriousness of the threat, with Iran showing clear determination to retaliate against those it holds responsible for Soleimani's death.

While numerous Iranian officials and government media have threatened Trump and his former team since 2020, Tehran officially denies any such intentions. Right after Soleimani’s killing, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei threatened revenge. That promise was taken up by several Iranian officials who translated Khamenei’s words to issue direct threats against Trump.

Following Khamenei’s proclamation of a “harsh revenge”, his official account on X (then Twitter) published an image of Trump on a golf course under the shadow of a drone, hinting at his targeting. That post has since been deleted. Khamenei’s official website also released an animation with the same theme, showing IRGC forces killing Trump using a robot.

On the anniversary of Soleimani’s assassination, his successor, Ismail Qa’ani, hinted at the intention to target Trump in an address to Iran’s parliament. “American agents involved in the assassination of martyr Soleimani should learn the secretive life of Salman Rushdie because the Islamic Republic will avenge his unjustly spilled blood.” Other threats by former Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister followed.

In February 2023, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the IRGC Aerospace Commander, appeared on a TV program to explain Iran’s actions to avenge Soleimani. He said, “We did not intend to kill [US soldiers]. God willing, we will kill Trump, Pompeo, [Frank] McKenzie, and the military commanders who ordered [Soleimani’s assassination].”

Donald Trump's campaign has reportedly contacted White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe to request military support for security during the presidential campaign, as he faces Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. Citing insufficient protection, the campaign said it has had to adjust or cancel events, according to The New York Times. Additionally, The Washington Post reported the campaign requested expanded flight restrictions and ballistic glass at rallies in key battleground states.