Israel shared intel on 'specific' Iran plot to kill Trump: US media reports

Israel shared intelligence with the United States this week about a new and 'specific' plan by Iran to assassinate President Donald Trump, U.S. media reported on Thursday.

The reports come amid renewed U.S. and Iranian attacks that have raised fears of a return to all-out war. They also follow Mr. Trump's unusual decision to use an older plane to depart from Türkiye after the NATO summit.

CNN, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, said Washington has monitored 'a steady drumbeat' of intelligence about possible assassination plots against Mr. Trump, but the warning from Israel was new and concerned a specific plot. The Wall Street Journal, also citing unidentified sources, described the intelligence as a 'fresh' plot.

Tehran has for years vowed to retaliate against Mr. Trump for ordering the assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in January 2020, during his first term.

When contacted by AFP, a White House official pointed to Mr. Trump's remarks from Wednesday. 'They want to take out the U.S. leader – me. I'm on whatever list. I saw this morning I'm on every single one of their lists,' Mr. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew home from the NATO summit.

Mr. Trump used his old Air Force One plane to leave Türkiye, sending his new Qatari-gifted jet ahead to Britain, where he switched planes for the journey to Washington. The change sparked speculation about security concerns, particularly as the U.S. launched fresh strikes against Iran, which borders Türkiye. The New York Times reported that the switch was made at the request of the U.S. Secret Service 'as a security precaution.'

In a press conference, Mr. Trump sidestepped direct questions about safety but alluded to previous alleged assassination attempts by Iran.