US warns Iran over threats against Trump, says monitoring has been ongoing for years

The White House announced on Monday that the United States has been monitoring threats from Iran against former President Donald Trump for years. It issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating that any attack on a US citizen would result in severe consequences.

Calling it a security matter, the White House released a statement.

"We consider this a national and homeland security matter of the highest priority, and we strongly condemn Iran for these brazen threats. Should Iran attack any of our citizens, including those who continue to serve the United States or those who formerly served, Iran will face severe consequences," said White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett.

Iran halts indirect talks with US amid Middle East crisis

Iran announced on Monday that it has paused its indirect discussions with the US, mediated by Oman, due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The two countries lack direct diplomatic relations, making Oman a key intermediary.

"Currently we don't see any ground for these talks, until we can get past the current crisis," said Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi during a press briefing in Muscat, Oman's capital.

Relations in the region have become increasingly strained. On October 1, Iran launched 200 missiles at Israel, claiming it was in retaliation for the killing of Tehran-aligned militant leaders and an Iranian Revolutionary Guards general. In response, Israel has vowed to retaliate.

Oman has a history of mediating between Iran and the United States, especially since the two countries severed relations following Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The United States remains a close ally and top military supporter of Israel, while Iran supports Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah in their conflicts with Israel.