Iran issues new threat to 'kill' Donald Trump as tensions in Middle East escalate

A billboard displaying an image of a deceased Donald Trump has been erected in the Iranian capital in what appears to be a chilling threat to the US president.

The controversial image shows Trump - who first launched a joint missile attack on Iran with Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu in February, which escalated to a full-fledged conflict in the Middle East - lying in a coffin.

The image was installed in Islamic Revolution Square by Iranian citizens days following the statewide funeral of the country's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who Trump and Netanyahu killed in their first round of drone attacks.

Both Trump's stomach and his wispy blonde hair are seen protruding over the rim of the coffin, with his hands crossed over his midriff.

The artwork has also been accompanied by a threat against the Republican leader's life.

The image was accompanied by threats against Trump's life (AFP via Getty Images)

'I'm their number one target'

Its erection comes after Trump, 80, last week hinted at the possibility of being assassinated by Iranian leaders, with the war having now dragged on for five months.

He told reporters from the White House: "Now they have another set of leaders. They may be gone. Who knows? And you know what? I may be gone too, because I’m their number one target.

"It’s out all over the place. I’m their number one because they’re scum."

Trump added at the time: "That’s the way they act, and that’s the way they’ve done it for 47 years."

What is the latest in the Iran-US war?

In the days since, new strikes were launched upon Tehran by the US in response to American vessels being struck in the contested Strait of Hormuz, after which leaders were also instructed to 'behave'.

Iran has attacked several US cargo ships (AFPTV / AFP via Getty Images)

"I ‌don't like giving ​deadlines, but they pretty much know, they know ​the story... ​they better behave," Trump said on Wednesday (15 Jul).

Of the country's delegates, he added: "They want to settle so badly. They don't like what we're doing.

"We'll find out whether we want to settle with them or if we just finish it off."

Talks over the vital trade waterway have continued since the war began.

Despite ceaseless promises from both parties, Iran attacked several cargo ships in the region last week, prompting Trump to reimpose a blockade.

Iranian leaders also struck American allies in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan several times in the five days since hostilities picked back up, straining their preliminary deal to bring peace to the area.