Iranian Lawmaker’s Remarks on Trump Spark International Alarm Amid Rising
US–Iran Tensions
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| An Iranian lawmaker in Kerman province reportedly offered a monetary reward for former US President Donald Trump’s killing, following the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani. |
Tehran /
Washington:
Controversial remarks by an Iranian provincial lawmaker suggesting a cash
reward for the killing of former US President Donald Trump have triggered sharp
international concern, underscoring the depth of hostility between Tehran and
Washington following the 2020 killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
Ahmad Hamzeh, identified in Iranian media as a
parliamentary speaker from Kerman province, was quoted in foreign press reports
as claiming that a monetary reward would be offered to anyone who killed Trump.
The comments, made during a public speech, were widely circulated by
international media outlets, prompting renewed scrutiny of Iran’s internal
political rhetoric and its implications for regional and global security.
Iranian authorities at the national level have
not formally endorsed the statement, and there has been no official government
announcement confirming any such policy. However, the remarks have intensified
concerns among Western governments about escalating political rhetoric and the
potential for miscalculation at a time of already heightened tensions.
Background: Soleimani’s Killing and Its
Aftermath
The comments trace back to the killing of
Major General Qassem Soleimani, one of Iran’s most influential military
figures, in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport on January 3,
2020. Soleimani was the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’
(IRGC) Quds Force, responsible for Iran’s overseas military and intelligence
operations.
The US justified the strike by claiming
Soleimani was planning imminent attacks on American personnel and interests in
the region. Iran strongly rejected the allegation, describing the killing as an
act of “state terrorism” and vowing severe retaliation.
Soleimani’s death marked one of the most
dangerous flashpoints in US–Iran relations in decades, pushing both sides to the
brink of open conflict. Millions participated in funeral processions across
Iran, and Tehran launched missile strikes against US bases in Iraq days later,
injuring dozens of American service members.
The Lawmaker’s Statement and Its Context
According to reports cited by international
tabloids and regional outlets, Ahmad Hamzeh claimed during a speech that
Soleimani’s assassination had galvanized Iranian public anger and that the
United States had made itself more vulnerable as a result.
In the same address, Hamzeh criticized the
Trump administration’s justification for the killing, rejecting claims that
Soleimani posed a threat to American civilians. He questioned the legality of
US actions in the region and accused Washington of violating Iran’s sovereignty
and security interests.
The comments also included sharp rhetoric
about US embassies and military bases in the Middle East, reflecting
longstanding Iranian grievances about America’s military presence across the
region.
Analysts note that such statements, while
provocative, often reflect domestic political signaling rather than official
state policy. Iranian political discourse frequently includes hardline rhetoric
aimed at reinforcing nationalist sentiment, particularly when addressing
audiences angered by foreign military actions.
Official Iranian Position Remains Ambiguous
Despite the inflammatory nature of the
remarks, Iran’s central government has not issued an official statement
endorsing or implementing the lawmaker’s comments. Senior Iranian leaders,
including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi,
have consistently framed retaliation for Soleimani’s killing in strategic and
ideological terms rather than explicit calls for individual violence.
Iran has repeatedly stated that it seeks
“legal and political revenge,” emphasizing the removal of US forces from the
Middle East rather than targeting specific individuals.
Observers say this distinction is critical.
While rhetorical threats often dominate political speeches, Iran’s official
actions since 2020 have largely focused on regional power projection,
diplomatic maneuvering, and indirect confrontation through allied groups rather
than direct attacks on US political leaders.
Appointment of New Quds Force Commander
Following Soleimani’s death, Brigadier General
Esmail Qaani was appointed as the new commander of the Quds Force. Qaani
pledged continuity in Iran’s regional strategy, stating that the mission and
ideology of the force would remain unchanged.
In several public appearances, Qaani
emphasized that Iran’s response would be “strategic and patient,” reinforcing
Tehran’s preference for long-term pressure rather than immediate escalation.
Security experts note that Qaani, unlike Soleimani,
maintains a lower public profile, suggesting a shift toward less visible but
more calculated regional operations.
Nuclear Deal and Renewed Strategic Debate
The lawmaker’s comments also revived debate
over Iran’s nuclear program and the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
(JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal.
Hamzeh argued that Iran’s vulnerability
stemmed from its lack of nuclear weapons, suggesting that possession of such
arms would have deterred foreign attacks. These remarks echo a broader debate
within Iran, where hardliners argue that nuclear capability could provide
strategic deterrence.
Iran officially maintains that it does not
seek nuclear weapons and that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful
purposes. However, after the US withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed
sweeping sanctions, Tehran gradually reduced its compliance with the agreement.
Western governments and the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have expressed concern over Iran’s increasing
uranium enrichment levels, though Iran insists it remains within its rights
under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
International Reaction and Legal Implications
International reaction to reports of a
bounty-related statement has been swift and critical. US officials and analysts
have condemned any suggestion of violence against political leaders,
emphasizing that such rhetoric undermines diplomatic efforts and increases
security risks.
Legal experts note that calls for
assassination, even when made rhetorically, can violate international norms and
potentially domestic laws, depending on jurisdiction. However, attributing
responsibility to a state requires official endorsement or action, which has
not been established in this case.
Several analysts cautioned against amplifying
inflammatory remarks made by local or provincial figures, arguing that such
statements often gain disproportionate attention in international media without
reflecting official policy.
Broader Implications for Regional Stability
The episode highlights the fragile state of
Middle Eastern security, where political rhetoric can rapidly inflame tensions
already strained by proxy conflicts, sanctions, and unresolved diplomatic
disputes.
US–Iran relations remain deeply adversarial,
shaped by decades of mistrust, regional rivalries, and competing security
interests. While both sides have periodically signaled openness to negotiations,
incidents like these reinforce skepticism and harden public attitudes.
Security analysts warn that misinterpretation
or escalation of rhetoric could increase the risk of unintended confrontation,
particularly in hotspots such as Iraq, Syria, and the Persian Gulf.
Outlook: Diplomacy Versus Escalation
As global attention remains focused on nuclear
negotiations and regional security, experts stress the importance of
distinguishing between rhetorical posturing and actionable policy.
While provocative statements may resonate with
domestic audiences, sustained escalation carries significant risks for all
parties involved. Diplomatic channels, though strained, remain critical to
preventing further destabilization.
For now, the controversial remarks serve as
another reminder of how deeply the legacy of Qassem Soleimani’s killing
continues to shape Iran’s political discourse—and how fragile the balance
remains in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
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