'They'll get obliterated': Trump's warning if Iran attempts assassination
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has revived his "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, signing a memorandum to curb Iran's nuclear program and limit its oil exports.
The move came during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump also issued a stern warning to Iran, saying any attempt on his life would lead to severe consequences for the country.
"If they did that, they would be obliterated... there won't be anything left," he said.
Economic impact
Trump's directive targets Iran's economy, raises global oil prices
As he signed the memo, Trump described it as very tough and said he was torn about making the decision.
He stated that he was open to a deal with Iran and would be willing to speak with the Iranian leader.
Trump's directive is aimed at putting pressure on Iran to stop its nuclear activities.
The executive order includes measures like blocking Iranian oil shipments, which could severely affect its economy.
Foiled plot
US thwarts Iranian plot to assassinate Trump
When asked how how close Tehran was to a nuclear weapon, Trump said, "They're too close."
In November, the US Justice Department announced it had uncovered and thwarted an Iranian plot to assassinate Trump ahead of the presidential election.
The department alleged that Iranian officials had instructed Farhad Shakeri, 51, to surveil and ultimately assassinate Trump. Shakeri remains at large in Iran.
However, these allegations have been dismissed by Iranian officials who attribute them to groups linked with Israel.
Relocation proposal
Trump suggests Palestinian relocation
Along with his anti-Iran moves, Trump made an unexpected request for the US to "take over" the Gaza Strip while hosting Netanyahu for critical negotiations on the Hamas truce.
"The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too. We'll own it," Trump told a joint press conference with Netanyahu.
He also suggested that Gaza's two million inhabitants instead "go to other countries of interest with humanitarian hearts."