Israeli Intelligence Warns US of Iranian Plot to Assassinate President Trump in Turkey

Israeli intelligence recently issued an urgent warning to the US security apparatus about a concrete Iranian plan to assassinate President Donald Trump. The intelligence was gathered on Turkish soil during Trump's visit to the NATO summit in Ankara. The sensitive information included a quote from a senior Iranian official stating, "This is our opportunity, there will be no better chance." Tehran viewed Trump's presence in the neighboring country as a unique operational window.

This intelligence prompted an immediate and unusual decision by the US secret service to switch the president's return flight to an older, heavily armored Air Force One model instead of the newer plane recently acquired from Qatar, whose electronic missile defense systems were not yet fully operational. The departure from Ankara was conducted under extreme security protocols and at unusual speed, with window curtains drawn.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Herzog confirmed the details in a Fox News interview, saying, "Israeli intelligence uncovered a very specific plan and shared it." The White House declined to comment, but Trump acknowledged the threats this week, stating, "They want to kill me, I’m on all their lists."

Meanwhile, despite escalating tensions between the US and Iran, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, assessed in a special meeting that Iran is unlikely to launch a direct attack on Israeli territory at this stage. Tehran understands that striking Israeli sites or civilians would escalate the conflict uncontrollably, whereas the current situation remains relatively contained. A senior Israeli source expressed hope that Iran will avoid making a grave mistake.

Separately, the unexpected death of pro-Israel Republican Senator Lindsey Graham at age 71 is impacting Israel’s diplomatic schedule. Netanyahu is considering traveling to South Carolina to attend Graham’s funeral. This visit could coincide with efforts to arrange a formal meeting with President Trump in Washington in the coming weeks. Although no official meeting has been scheduled, Netanyahu’s attendance at the funeral is expected to facilitate coordination with the White House.