A friend of the Iranian Supreme Leader has joked Iran could assassinate US President Donald Trump in Florida.
During a discussion about Iran’s military technology, regime figure Mohammad-Javad Larijani and advisor to Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Trump “can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago”.
“While he’s lying down, a micro-drone might target and strike him right in the navel,” he said, laughing while he made the remarks.
The comments were reported by Iran International, a London-based network.
The outlet reported Larijani added “of course, we fight like men”, which suggested Iran would not carry out an attack on Trump.
The remarks are expected to add speculation about possible retaliation by the Islamic Republic against the US for its strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June.
In a statement to Newsweek, the United States Secret Service said the organisation could not comment on specific protective intelligence matters.
“We operate in a heightened and very dynamic threat environment and the safety and security of the President and all of our protectees remains our highest priority,” a spokesperson said.
“Our teams work around the clock with international, federal, state, and local partners to ensure the highest levels of protection.”