Iran – Israel Reportedly Alerts US to New Threat Against Trump
Iran – Israeli intelligence has reportedly warned the United States about what it described as a possible new Iranian plan targeting President Donald Trump, according to separate reports from The Wall Street Journal and CNN. The reports emerged as Trump said publicly that he believed he remained a leading target for Tehran amid renewed confrontation between Washington and Iran.
Israeli assessment shared with Washington
The Wall Street Journal reported that Israeli officials recently provided US counterparts with intelligence suggesting Iran may be considering a fresh attempt to target Trump. The newspaper described the information as a potentially serious escalation in the already strained relationship between the two countries.
CNN also reported that Israel had conveyed the warning to US officials, citing people familiar with the matter. However, the network said US authorities had not independently confirmed the intelligence before receiving the Israeli assessment.
The White House did not directly address the details of the reports. Instead, it referred both news outlets to Trump’s remarks during the NATO summit in Ankara, where he discussed the security risks facing him.
Trump says threats will not alter Iran policy
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he believed he was at the top of Iran’s list of targets. He said the possibility of threats would not affect his approach to Iran or his administration’s broader security policy.
Trump made similar comments earlier while meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. He said he had seen reports suggesting that Iranian officials wanted to target the US president and acknowledged the risks associated with holding the office.
At a later press conference, Trump linked the reported threats to his administration’s efforts to limit Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities. He said the United States would continue pursuing its objectives despite the heightened tensions.
Questions raised over presidential travel
Trump was also asked whether the reported threat had influenced his travel arrangements. He rejected speculation that security concerns were behind a decision not to use a new Air Force One aircraft for his return journey.
He said the aircraft was being sent to major US military bases in Europe so service members could see it. Trump described the plane as an important symbol for American forces stationed overseas.
Even so, he acknowledged that the presidency carries significant personal risks. He said the role had always been dangerous and noted that the security challenges facing US leaders remain substantial.
Intelligence agencies monitor possible risks
CNN reported that US intelligence agencies are tracking several individuals who have discussed possible attacks against current and former senior American officials. The network said officials continue to assess potential threats connected to the wider dispute with Iran.
One US official told CNN that some within the intelligence community viewed the Israeli information cautiously, suggesting it could be part of a broader effort to shape US decision-making on Iran. The official also said diplomatic contacts with Tehran were continuing despite recent military action and increasingly sharp public statements.
Long-running dispute adds to pressure
Iran has repeatedly threatened retaliation over the January 2020 US drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, according to The Wall Street Journal. Trump was president when the strike was carried out.
The newspaper also reported that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone on Thursday and agreed to maintain close coordination. The two leaders have continued discussions even as reports point to differences over how the conflict with Iran should develop.
The latest warning comes after the breakdown of a 60-day ceasefire, renewed US military strikes and Iranian attacks on commercial shipping. Public rhetoric has also intensified in Iran, where anti-US slogans were reportedly heard during ceremonies following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.