Nick Bryant

An AI-generated video from Iran-linked Tasnim News Agency identifies places Melania Trump visits and threatens her and her son Barron, prompting serious concern despite no evidence of an operational Iranian state plot. The threat is presented as likely information warfare or a psychological operation by hardliners, but it comes amid longstanding Iranian hostility toward Donald Trump, revenge threats following the killing of Qasem Soleimani, and alleged plots against Trump. US security officials have taken precautions, including switching the president to an older, better-protected aircraft, while intelligence about further assassination plans remains contested. The episode illustrates how threats against a president's family can shape security decisions and intensify tensions between Washington and Tehran.