U.S. President Donald Trump was forced to switch presidential aircraft following the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month after American intelligence identified what officials described as a credible threat by Iranian proxy forces to target Air Force One, according to a report published by The New York Times.
The report sheds new light on an unusual last-minute decision that saw Trump abandon the recently refurbished Boeing aircraft donated by Qatar and instead return to the older Air Force One for his flight back to Washington.
Intelligence Suggested Possible Missile Attack
According to the report, U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Iranian-backed operatives posed a credible threat to the presidential aircraft.
CBS News later reported that U.S. officials had detected what they believed was an actual plot to launch a missile at the aircraft carrying the president.
Officials emphasized that the intelligence pointed to a threat against Trump himself rather than specifically against the Qatari-donated aircraft.
Separate From Israeli Intelligence
The New York Times reported that the American assessment was independent of intelligence previously provided by Israel.
Earlier reporting by The Wall Street Journal said Israeli intelligence had warned Washington about a possible assassination plot targeting Trump.
At the time, several U.S. officials reportedly questioned the reliability of the Israeli intelligence, expressing concern that it could have been intended to influence American decision-making and encourage a broader military confrontation with Iran.
According to the latest report, however, the threat identified by U.S. intelligence was separate and considered sufficiently credible to justify immediate security measures.
Older Air Force One Offered Greater Protection
Security officials reportedly recommended that Trump travel aboard the older Air Force One because it possesses more advanced defensive systems than the recently acquired aircraft from Qatar.
The Qatari aircraft entered presidential service on an accelerated timetable following Trump's insistence that it be prepared quickly.
The decision to revert to the older aircraft highlighted continuing concerns within the U.S. security establishment regarding the defensive capabilities of the newer plane.
Trump Previously Downplayed Security Concerns
Following the NATO summit, Trump denied that the aircraft change had been driven by security fears.
However, when questioned directly, he acknowledged that Iran viewed him as its primary target.
"I'm number one on Iran's assassination list," Trump told reporters at the time.
Earlier this week, Trump also appeared to acknowledge that the Qatari aircraft lacked some of the sophisticated missile-defense capabilities installed aboard the traditional Air Force One fleet, saying its defensive systems would eventually be upgraded to the "maximum."
Leak Investigation Followed Earlier Report
The New York Times previously reported that several administration officials had raised concerns about the aircraft's security features.
Following that publication, the Trump administration launched a leak investigation and initially summoned several Times journalists for questioning before later withdrawing the requests.
The White House declined to comment on the latest report but reiterated that every necessary precaution had been taken to ensure the safety of the president and the U.S. delegation.
Threat Details Kept Highly Restricted
According to the report, details of the alleged assassination threat were tightly held within the U.S. government.
Only a limited number of senior officials were informed of the intelligence, while many administration officials were told merely that the aircraft change resulted from "general security concerns" related to Iran.
Relevant members of Congress were also reportedly not briefed on the specific intelligence.
Heightened Security Reflects Rising Tensions
The reported threat underscores the increasingly volatile security environment surrounding the confrontation between the United States and Iran.
With military operations continuing, diplomatic efforts stalled, and concerns over retaliation by Iranian proxy groups growing, U.S. security agencies appear to be treating potential threats against senior American officials with heightened urgency.
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