A spokesperson for Iran's armed forces has warned that promenades, resorts, and tourist centers globally will not be safe for American officials, military personnel, and civilians. The statement from Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi follows recent Israeli strikes that killed several top Iranian leaders. U.S. officials have noted Iran's history of overseas plots against Americans.
Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces, stated according to state-run media: “We are watching your cowardly officials and commanders, pilots and wicked soldiers. From now on, based on the information we have on you, the promenades, resorts and tourist and entertainment centres in the world will not be safe for you either.” This threat targets Americans worldwide, including at tourist sites and entertainment centers. It comes amid Israeli strikes in recent weeks that eliminated key Iranian figures, such as the February 28 assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with Ali Larijani, Gholamreza Soleimani, and IRGC spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini. U.S. officials have warned of Iran's involvement in overseas assassination plots against American diplomats. In November 2024, an Iran-linked operative faced charges for a murder-for-hire plot against then-President-elect Donald Trump. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley was placed on an Iranian “kill list,” with a foiled plot revealed during her presidential campaign. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, his aide Brian Hook, and former National Security Advisors John Bolton and Robert O’Brien also received Secret Service protection due to Iranian threats. Iran has targeted tourist sites in the Middle East, including hotels and airports. The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain advised Americans to leave and avoid hotels, stating they “might be a target for future attacks.” Iran has also struck religious sites in Jerusalem, such as the Temple Mount and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
