Iran’s hardline regime crossed a chilling new line, brazenly airing footage of Donald Trump’s assassination attempt while threatening that next time the bullet will find its mark.

Iranian state television reportedly broadcast an image of Trump moments after a bullet grazed his ear during the July 13, 2024 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Over the bloodied image, the regime displayed the message: “This time, the bullet won’t miss.”

The broadcast came as tensions between Tehran and Washington spiral, and as Iran’s clerical rulers intensify a ruthless crackdown on their own people.

According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO, more than 3,400 people have been killed by Iranian security forces during protests against the regime. The group also reports over 10,000 arrests, as mass demonstrations demanding freedom and an end to clerical rule are met with bullets, batons, and gallows.

One young protester, Erfan Soltani, 26, is feared to be on the verge of becoming the first demonstrator executed over the uprising, with reports indicating he was scheduled to be hanged Wednesday morning local time.

As the bloodshed mounts, the United States has begun evacuating hundreds of troops from its largest base in the Middle East, signaling serious concern that Iran could retaliate against a potential U.S. strike or broader intervention.

President Donald Trump has not backed down. The U.S. leader has repeatedly warned Tehran that executions will not be ignored. In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, Trump vowed “very strong action” if Iran carries out death sentences against protesters. He also encouraged Iranians to continue resisting the regime and urged them to seize control of institutions, declaring “help is on the way.”

Earlier, Trump had promised “strong action” should the regime proceed with hanging demonstrators.

Tehran, meanwhile, is doubling down on its threats.

Iran’s defense minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, struck a defiant tone as the war of words escalated. He warned that Iran is ready for open confrontation if attacked.

He told local media: “If these threats are turned into action, we will defend the country with full force and until the last drop of blood, and our defence would be painful to them”.

The regime’s decision to taunt Trump by replaying footage of the Butler assassination attempt underscores just how reckless Tehran has become. “This time, the bullet won’t miss,” is both a threat and a provocation.