In a significant escalation of tensions between Iran and the United States, a senior Iranian official has publicly threatened former President Donald Trump with assassination, while US security agencies remain on high alert for potential sleeper cell threats across the nation [1][2].

Javad Larijani, a former diplomat and senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made the alarming statement on Iranian state television. He suggested that Trump could face a drone attack while sunbathing at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida [1][2][3].

"Trump has done something so that he can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago," Larijani stated. "As he lies there with his stomach to the sun, a small drone might hit him in the navel. It's very simple." [1][2][3][4]

The threat comes in the wake of a fatwa reportedly issued calling for the death of both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [1][2]. This development has raised concerns about the potential activation of sleeper cells in the West, particularly in the United States and Europe [1][2].

Adding to the tension, an online platform called "blood pact" has allegedly begun raising funds to "punish those who threaten Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei." The site pledges to "award the bounty to anyone who can bring the enemies of God and those who threaten the life of Ali Khamenei to justice." However, the operators of this site remain unidentified [2][3][4].

In response to the threat, Trump appeared to downplay its seriousness, stating, "I guess it's a threat. I'm not sure it's a threat, actually, but perhaps it is." [2][3][4]

US security agencies have heightened their alert levels in response to these developments. The focus is on potential sleeper cell threats, with increased vigilance across the United States and coordination with European counterparts [1][2].

This incident marks a new chapter in the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, which have remained high since Trump's presidency. The specific mention of Mar-a-Lago as a potential target and the alleged fatwa against Trump and Netanyahu indicate a personalized nature to these threats [1][2].

As the situation continues to develop, US authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with potential implications for global security and diplomatic relations in the region [1][2].