Trump suggests standing orders for U.S. military to attack Iran if he is assassinated

On July 11, 2026, President Trump posted on Truth Social that he had given standing orders to the U.S. military to launch a massive retaliatory strike against Iran if he were assassinated. He wrote, 'missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat.' Constitutional experts cited by the AP noted that no such automatic 'dead man's switch' exists, and that under the 25th Amendment, Vice President JD Vance would become commander in chief and decide any response. The claim effectively treats the U.S. military as a personal protection force, bypassing constitutional succession. The statement escalates tensions amid renewed Iranian threats to avenge the U.S. killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

“missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat.” Quote verified against source