Story perspectives

Trump Says 1,000 Missiles Ready; US Lacks Dead-Man Switch

7/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Experts say the United States lacks a dead-man’s switch for missile launches.
U.S. President Donald Trump posted that 1,000 missiles are locked on Iran and he has orders if Iran tries to kill him.
Under the 25th Amendment and Presidential Succession Act, Vice President JD Vance would become commander in chief if U.S. President Donald Trump died.
Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei pledged retaliation as funeral crowds displayed anti-Trump slogans.

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Story summary

Experts say the United States lacks a dead-man’s switch for missile launches.
U.S. President Donald Trump posted that 1,000 missiles are locked on Iran and he has orders if Iran tries to kill him.
Under the 25th Amendment and Presidential Succession Act, Vice President JD Vance would become commander in chief if U.S. President Donald Trump died.
Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei pledged retaliation as funeral crowds displayed anti-Trump slogans.