02.03.2026 08:25
U.S. President Donald Trump stated regarding the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, "I took him out before he could take me out. They tried twice. But I took him out first." It was noted that these remarks were seen as a reference to an assassination plot aimed at him in 2024.
U.S. President Donald Trump made striking statements regarding the death of Iran's religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl announced that he had a phone conversation with Trump this evening and shared the President's words with the public.
"I GOT HIM FIRST"
According to Jonathan Karl, Trump stated the following regarding Khamenei's death:
"I got him before he got me. They tried twice. Well I got him first."
("I got him before he got me. They tried twice. Well I got him first.")
It was noted that with these words, Trump referred to the claim that U.S. intelligence believed there was an assassination plot against him in 2024. American intelligence agencies had been investigating a threat deemed to be linked to Iran during that period.
ASSASSINATION CLAIM WAS ON THE AGENDA
Trump's statement "they tried twice" is considered to refer to assassination plans that emerged during the 2024 election process and were alleged to be connected to Iran. U.S. intelligence had increased security measures regarding threats against Trump during that time.
The President's statements came at a time when discussions regarding the death of Iran's highest-ranking leader were ongoing. Trump's remarks drew attention as they presented the development in the context of a personal reckoning.
NEW THRESHOLD IN WAR
While the official process regarding Khamenei's death and statements from the Iranian side are being closely monitored, Trump's words were interpreted as a message indicating that the war along the Washington-Tehran line could escalate further. The U.S. administration has not yet shared an official and detailed assessment regarding Trump's statements.