By Stephen Simon
Israel has shared intelligence with the United States about a fresh and specific alleged Iranian plot to assassinate President Donald Trump, according to multiple US media reports.
The reports emerged on Thursday amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following renewed military exchanges that have raised fears of another full-scale confrontation.
According to CNN, citing sources familiar with the matter, US intelligence agencies have been tracking a “steady drumbeat” of threats against Trump. However, the latest intelligence reportedly provided by Israel outlined a new and specific assassination plan.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that Israeli intelligence pointed to a “fresh” plot targeting the US president.
Iran has repeatedly vowed to avenge the January 2020 killing of its top military commander, General Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated in a US drone strike ordered by Trump during his first term in office.
Responding to the reports, a White House official referred to comments Trump made on Wednesday while returning from the NATO summit.
“They want to take out the US leader — me. I’m on whatever list. I saw this morning I’m on every single one of their lists,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
The reports also drew attention to Trump’s unusual travel arrangements after the summit. He reportedly departed Turkey aboard the older Air Force One aircraft, while the newer Qatari-donated presidential jet flew separately to Britain, where he later switched planes before returning to Washington.
The unexpected aircraft change sparked speculation over security concerns, particularly after the United States carried out fresh strikes against Iran.
According to The New York Times, the change in aircraft was made at the request of the US Secret Service as a security precaution.
Although Trump declined to directly address questions about the switch, he referenced what he described as repeated assassination threats linked to Iran.
Neither US nor Israeli authorities have publicly released evidence to support the reported assassination plot, while Iran has not commented on the latest claims.
