Trump administration takes optimistic tone on Iran while launching new strike

TEHRAN, Nov 3 - Iran has erected a colossal billboard in the heart of Tehran, proclaiming its intent to assassinate US President Donald Trump. The towering advertisement, located on the bustling Enghelab Square, depicts Trump behind bars with his head bowed. Similar billboards, mocking and threatening Trump, have been appearing around the capital since tensions escalated between Iran and the US on February 28.

The day US special forces and Israeli forces attacked and killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In recent days, diplomatic attempts have been made to facilitate negotiations between Tehran and Washington, aiming to avert further conflict that has spread across the region and caused global price hikes. Trump, facing a crucial US midterm election amid voter dissatisfaction, including over the Iran war, has hinted at the possibility of a deal.

In Tajrish Square, northern Tehran, an outdoor exhibition showcased paintings of Trump, including one with his bloodied face on the ground and another featuring a bomb obscuring his features, seemingly referencing Belgian surrealist René Magritte’s 1964 painting "The Son of Man." A life-sized jail cell occupied a nearby spot, with an actor portraying Trump inside, while a screen displayed images of the destruction caused by US strikes on Iran.

Tehran has accused Trump of intentionally targeting civilian sites during the war, including a school and a wedding, resulting in numerous casualties, including women and children. State-sponsored billboards and murals in Iran have long been used to pay tribute to allies, display military figures, and convey political messages, primarily to the United States and Israel.