Iranian state television has broadcast a chilling message targeting former President Donald Trump, featuring an image from his 2024 assassination attempt with a Farsi caption translating to: 'This time, the bullet won't miss.' The provocative clip, aired in January 2026, has ignited outrage in the United States, with officials condemning it as the latest escalation in Tehran's longstanding threats against the White House.
The segment appeared during coverage of a pro-regime demonstration in Tehran, showcasing the familiar photograph of Trump at the Butler, Pennsylvania rally on 13 July 2024. In the image, Trump is depicted with a bloodied ear and fist raised in defiance, moments after a bullet grazed him. The attack claimed the life of one attendee, injured two others, and was carried out by gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, who acted alone according to FBI findings.
Translated by i24 News correspondent Amachia Stein, the overlaid text directly referenced Trump's narrow escape from the Butler rally. The broadcast has prompted U.S. security agencies to review protective measures, though as of 16 February 2026, they report no immediate danger stemming from the rhetoric.
Independent journalist Steve Ram first highlighted the footage in an Instagram reel posted the same day by @steveram3, which quickly went viral and linked to his YouTube analysis. Ram described it as "Iran's boldest taunt yet," noting its emergence amid widespread protests in Iran over economic hardship and the regime's management of regional conflicts.
Iranian state media contextualized the clip within segments praising Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, merging domestic propaganda with anti-U.S. sentiment. Analysts observe that such provocative broadcasts frequently align with perceived Western actions, including recent U.S. naval deployments in the Gulf.
U.S. officials have issued sharp condemnations, viewing the message as part of a pattern of threats from the Islamic Republic. The timing and imagery underscore the persistent tensions between Tehran and Washington, even as the clip stirs debate over its implications for Trump's security.
