Iran has aired footage from the 2024 attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, accompanied by on-screen text that translates to: “this time, the bullet won’t miss,” according to reports.
The message appeared during a state-run broadcast as Trump weighs possible military action against Iran and continues voicing support for Iranian protesters opposing the country’s leadership.
Protest messaging and escalating rhetoric
Similar language has also been seen at pro-regime demonstrations in Tehran. During a protest outside the British Embassy this week, some demonstrators held placards with threatening slogans, including one that read: “the arrow doesn’t always miss.”
The messaging comes as protests against Iran’s ruling system have continued for more than two weeks. Trump has publicly encouraged demonstrators and said “Help is on the way,” urging protesters to take over institutions. He has also warned he would take “strong action” if Iranian authorities begin harming or executing protesters.
Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said Iran would respond if the U.S. attacked.
“If these threats are turned into action, we will defend the country with full force and until the last drop of blood,” he told local media.
“Our defence would be painful to them.”
Death toll claims and arrests
A human rights group has claimed more than 3,400 people have been killed during clashes between Iranian security forces and protesters. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO also said more than 10,000 people have been arrested as unrest continues.
Military movements in the region
Amid rising tensions, the U.S. has reportedly evacuated hundreds of troops from its largest Middle Eastern base, citing concerns Iran could retaliate if Trump orders strikes.
American and British personnel have also reportedly begun withdrawing from key locations across the region. The i newspaper reported UK withdrawals that mirror earlier U.S. moves. A U.S. official described the changes as precautionary steps over fears bases could be targeted if the U.S. launches attacks.
The RAF’s operational headquarters in the Middle East is based at Al Udeid, which hosts around 80–100 permanent UK personnel. The base also houses the headquarters for Britain’s No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group, with roughly 1,000 personnel stationed across the region.
Separately, the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia advised staff to act with caution and avoid military installations. Reports also said some U.S. Army personnel were asked to leave Al Udeid in Qatar on Wednesday evening, a move viewed by some observers as a sign the U.S. may be preparing for potential escalation.
Reports of executions and threats of rapid trials
Tensions have intensified as fears grow that Iran could accelerate prosecutions and executions linked to the protests.
Reports claim that Erfan Soltani, 26, who was arrested in Fardis six days earlier, has been executed. Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, has also been reported as hinting at rapid trials and executions for those detained during nationwide demonstrations—comments made despite Trump’s warning that he would take very strong action if executions proceed.
Some protesters have said they fear the death toll could rise sharply, describing heavy gunfire and overcrowded morgues.
Prior U.S. concerns about threats to Trump
Federal authorities have monitored alleged Iranian threats against Trump and other U.S. officials for years.
Trump has previously said he instructed his team to respond decisively if he were ever assassinated. He told reporters in February last year, while signing an executive order aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran:
“I’ve left instructions if they do it, they get obliterated, there won’t be anything left.”
In November 2024, it was reported that an Iranian agent had been charged in connection with an alleged plot to kill Trump. U.S. prosecutors said Iran directed ex-con Farhad Shakeri—reportedly in Tehran—to produce a seven-day plan to surveil and murder him.
Shakeri, an Afghan national, reportedly came to the U.S. as a child, served 14 years for robbery, and was deported in 2008.
