Iran has escalated tensions dramatically, with state television issuing its most direct assassination threat yet against U.S. President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, Iranian state-run TV aired an image showing Trump bloodied during the 2024 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania — where he was shot in the ear — alongside a warning that read: “This time it will not miss the target.”

The threat comes amid worsening friction between Tehran and Washington over Iran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests. Reports indicate the image originated from a pro-government rally inside Iran, which was broadcast even as authorities enforced media blackouts to suppress coverage of anti-regime demonstrations.

Iran has a history of targeting Trump. In 2022, a regime-backed video depicted an assassination attempt at his Mar-a-Lago golf course, resurfacing recently after Ryan Routh was arrested for allegedly plotting to kill Trump at the same location. U.S. authorities have also linked Iran to assassination plots, including a 2024 case where the Justice Department said it foiled an Iranian-led plan involving Farhad Shakeri, allegedly tasked by the Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Inside Iran, pro-government rallies have amplified anti-American rhetoric, with participants chanting “Death to America” and pledging loyalty to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. These rallies aim to counter persistent protests that erupted on December 28 over economic collapse and have evolved into the most significant challenge to the regime since 1979.

The crackdown has been brutal: according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, more than 2,500 people have been killed and thousands arrested. The violence has deepened the standoff with Washington, as Trump warns military action remains on the table, while Iranian officials threaten retaliation against U.S. forces and Israel if America intervenes.

Watch LIVE TV, Get Stock Market Updates, Top Business, IPO and Latest News on NDTV Profit.