Inside Washington: The Foiled Assassination Attempt on Mike Pompeo

In the ever-evolving landscape of international relations, few events send shockwaves through political circles like the threat of assassination. A recent revelation has surfaced through the upcoming book, 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, authored by Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf. This book alleges that Iran nearly succeeded in a plot to assassinate former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his stay at a hotel in Paris in 2022.

The Assassination Attempt

According to the book, the Iranian regime had pinpointed Pompeo’s exact location and attempted to carry out the assassination while he was staying at a hotel. Details surrounding the nature of the plot remain scarce, but the exact timing of this attempt emphasizes its serious implications. It showcases the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, tensions that have only escalated in recent years.

Historical Context

Pompeo, who served as the 70th Secretary of State from 2018 to 2021, has been involved in shaping U.S. policy towards Iran with a focus on countering its influence in the Middle East. His tenure was marked by heightened confrontations, including the controversial order for the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, a prominent Iranian military commander. This backdrop adds gravity to the narrative of an assassination attempt, illustrating just how critical Pompeo’s role was in U.S.-Iran relations.

Multiple Threats

The book also claims that this was not an isolated incident. It suggests that the Iranian government plotted to assassinate U.S. officials at least three times in the three years leading up to Trump’s presumed re-election campaign in 2024. Such revelations paint a disturbing picture of the lengths to which Iran may go to target American political figures, particularly those perceived as threats.

Recruitment of Hit Teams

Adding to the alarming narrative, the authors reveal that Iran allegedly recruited hit teams that were active on American soil. This intelligence, shared with Trump’s campaign team, paints a striking picture of the evolving methods of assassination and threats facing American officials—escalating from foreign territories to domestic soil. The authors’ insights, apparently informed by intelligence officials, underline the urgency and seriousness of the threats against American lives in some instances.

Security Concerns

In the wake of these threats, notable actions were taken regarding Pompeo’s security detail. In January, then-President Trump revoked the security protections previously afforded to Pompeo and former National Security Adviser John Bolton. The decision raised eyebrows, especially amidst reports of credible threats against Pompeo by Iranian operatives. A past intelligence official spoke to CNN regarding these risks, emphasizing the potential danger Pompeo faced without adequate protection.

Press Secretary Response

When questioned about whether Trump was reconsidering reinstating security for officials like Pompeo, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that it was "not under consideration right now.” This response provides further insight into the administration’s stance on security for high-profile figures who have been threatened, raising concerns about the implications for their safety.

Pompeo’s Perspective

Mike Pompeo has addressed threats to his life in his own writings. In his book, Never Give an Inch, Pompeo acknowledges the “many” threats he and his family have encountered since leaving office. He highlights a chilling reality: a number of Americans, including former officials and military leaders, find themselves on Iran’s assassination list, further emphasizing the persistent danger associated with their before-mentioned roles.

Escalating Tensions

These revelations arrive amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly following Trump’s authorization of strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. While intended to press Iran into compliance regarding its nuclear pursuits, these military actions have only deepened animosities and prompted aggressive retaliatory strategies from Iran.

Iran’s Legislative Movements

In this context, the Iranian parliament has fast-tracked a proposal to cease cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), effectively stalling negotiations designed to manage Iran’s nuclear ambitions. As the U.S. considered engaging in diplomatic discussions, this legislative push from Iran signals a hardening stance against international oversight.

Conclusion: A Landscape of Evolving Threats

The accounts of attempted assassination and rising geopolitical tensions underscore a troubling reality: the American political landscape is fraught with danger, driven by unresolved conflicts with adversarial nations like Iran. As the narratives evolve, the importance of security for officials involved in similar high-stakes diplomatic engagements cannot be overstated. The dynamics of national security, international relations, and personal safety intersect in complex ways, leaving us to ponder what the future may hold in the realm of global politics.