The United States has reportedly received fresh intelligence from Israel regarding an alleged new and specific Iranian plot to assassinate President Donald Trump, according to multiple US media reports released on Thursday.
The reported intelligence emerged amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following renewed military exchanges that have fueled concerns over the possibility of a broader conflict in the region.
According to CNN, citing sources familiar with the matter, US intelligence agencies have been tracking ongoing threats against Trump for some time. However, the latest warning from Israel reportedly identified a more specific and recently uncovered assassination plan.
The Wall Street Journal also reported, citing unnamed officials, that the intelligence referred to a “fresh” plot targeting the US president.
Iran has repeatedly vowed to retaliate against Trump for authorizing the January 2020 drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani during his first term in office.
Responding to the reports, a White House official referred journalists to comments Trump made while returning from the NATO summit.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed he remained a target of Iranian threats.
“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,” the president told reporters.
The reports also followed questions surrounding Trump’s travel arrangements after the NATO summit in Turkey. Instead of remaining aboard the newly acquired Qatari-gifted presidential aircraft throughout the trip, Trump departed Turkey using the older Air Force One, while the newer jet flew ahead to Britain before he later transferred back to continue his journey to Washington.
The unusual aircraft change prompted speculation over security concerns, particularly as the United States had recently carried out new strikes against Iran.
According to The New York Times, the aircraft switch was made at the request of the US Secret Service as a precautionary security measure.
When asked about the change during a news conference, Trump declined to discuss specific security issues but referenced previous alleged assassination threats linked to Iran.
