US President Donald Trump announced on July 11, 2026, that he has ordered the military to be prepared to launch strikes against Iran if the Iranian government attempts or carries out an assassination of the US president. Trump stated on social media, “1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat… to assassinate, or attempt to assassinate, the sitting President of the United States of America, in this case, ME!” He added that the US military is ready for a one-year period, subject to extension, to “completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran.” These threats followed open calls for Trump’s killing at the funeral of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Meanwhile, the US has conducted strikes on over 80 Iranian targets following attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital commercial shipping corridor. Senior US officials have demanded that Iran make a public statement affirming the Strait of Hormuz is open and that commercial ships will no longer be attacked. This demand is part of ongoing negotiations scheduled to resume in Oman, involving US Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

US media reports cite unnamed officials saying Tehran privately acknowledged to Trump’s advisers that the recent attacks on ships were a mistake, blaming a rogue internal group. Tehran has claimed that an "errant" sect of hardliners sought to undermine negotiations by firing on commercial vessels. In June, the US and Iran signed a ceasefire agreement that included provisions for safe passage of commercial ships through the Strait. Iran also established the "Persian Gulf Strait Authority" to manage "safe passage permits" during the conflict.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has warned that any US breach of its commitments under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be met with “reciprocal action.”

Trump has stated that despite recent fighting, both sides have agreed to continue talks, although the White House views the attacks as a violation of the ceasefire.

Sources