US Intelligence Thwarts Iranian Missile Threat Against Trump During NATO Summit in Turkey

US intelligence identified a targeted Iranian threat to launch a shoulder-fired missile at Air Force One as President Donald Trump prepared to depart Ankara following the NATO summit last month, according to a New York Times report on August 26, 2026. The threat assessment included spotting an individual in the summit area holding a shoulder missile launcher, with Iranian operatives reportedly knowing Trump's exact location in the Turkish capital, including the building and floor he occupied.

The Wall Street Journal revealed that Israel provided the US with intelligence about the Iranian threat, which involved the potential use of shoulder-fired missiles against the presidential aircraft. Following the threat, Trump initially boarded a former Air Force One plane in view of the media, but shortly after, a deception operation was executed. The president was covertly moved into an airport catering truck and transported away from journalists to a smaller nearby military C-32A aircraft, from which he flew to a US base in the United Kingdom before returning to Washington.

This covert operation was kept so secret that even some of Trump's staff were unaware he was on the third plane. For weeks, it appeared Trump had returned on the old Air Force One, while the new presidential plane, gifted by Qatar, was flown separately to the UK. Journalists and some White House officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, boarded the old plane believing Trump was aboard, while he had already departed on a different aircraft.

The Iranian threat and the plane switch were initially denied but later confirmed last month. The new report provides detailed insight into the airport deception. The White House declined to comment directly on most details but stated that the new plane is equipped with high-level security protocols to ensure the safety of the president and his team.