Iran has claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump was “within reach” during his recent visit to Turkey but deliberately chose not to launch any retaliatory action.
The assertion was made by Ezzatollah Zarghami, a member of Iran’s Supreme Council of Cyberspace, amid continued tensions between Tehran and Washington.
In a post on X, Zarghami said Iran had the opportunity to respond while Trump was in Turkey but decided against doing so.
According to him, Tehran exercised restraint “to preserve friendship and good neighborly relations” with neighboring countries, suggesting that regional diplomatic considerations influenced the decision.
Zarghami, who previously headed Iran’s state broadcasting organization, also called on Iranian authorities to summon Turkey’s ambassador. He argued that Trump allegedly directed military operations against Iran while attending the NATO summit in Turkey, a claim that has further fueled political rhetoric surrounding the recent conflict.
The comments come against the backdrop of heightened hostility between the United States and Iran following recent military confrontations that have significantly strained relations. The exchange of accusations has intensified concerns over the possibility of further escalation in an already volatile region.
Despite Zarghami’s assertions, there is no independent evidence to support the claim that any attack on Trump was planned or that he faced an imminent threat during his stay in Turkey. Neither U.S. nor Turkish officials have publicly responded to the allegations.
The latest remarks underscore the continuing war of words between Tehran and Washington, with both sides maintaining sharp rhetoric following recent clashes. Analysts say such statements are likely to add to diplomatic tensions, even as regional and international actors continue to call for restraint to prevent further instability in the Middle East.
