Israel Shares Intelligence With US on Alleged Fresh Iranian Plot to Kill Trump
Israel has shared intelligence with the United States alleging that Iran has developed a new plot to assassinate President Donald Trump, according to a CNN report citing sources familiar with the matter, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to simmer.
The intelligence was reportedly delivered to US officials earlier this week and included what Israeli authorities described as a specific threat against the American president.
US intelligence agencies had already been picking up signals in recent weeks suggesting potential risks to Trump, although officials said they had not independently verified the Israeli assessment.
According to the report, some officials believe the warning from Israel may also be intended to influence Trump’s thinking as his administration weighs its next steps on Iran, including the possibility of increased military pressure.
Responding to questions about the reported intelligence, the White House pointed to Trump’s recent public comments in which he claimed Iran was actively seeking to assassinate him.
“They want to take out the US leader — me,” Trump told reporters, adding that he believed he was at the top of Iran’s target list. He described Iran’s leadership as dangerous and vowed that the United States would respond firmly to any threat.
US authorities have for years maintained that Iran could seek retaliation against Trump over the January 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, a figure widely regarded as one of the country’s most powerful security officials.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of renewed hostility between the United States and Iran despite an uneasy ceasefire.
Recent military exchanges and increasingly aggressive rhetoric have fuelled concerns that diplomatic progress could unravel.
CNN reported that US intelligence officials are also tracking several individuals who have discussed possible attacks on American officials, although there is no indication that any plans have been put into action.
Officials remain concerned that Iran could target current or former senior US leaders.
At the same time, some members of the US intelligence community are said to be treating the Israeli information with caution, noting that it has not been independently confirmed and could reflect Israel’s broader efforts to shape US policy toward Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly expressed concerns over Trump’s handling of Iran and has also differed with Washington on aspects of Israel’s military operations in the region.
The two leaders held a telephone conversation on Thursday, with Netanyahu expected to travel to Washington for further discussions.
Despite the heightened tensions, diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran is reportedly continuing behind closed doors, with both sides said to be working towards a possible nuclear agreement by mid-August.
US military officials had reportedly prepared contingency plans for possible strikes should the security situation worsen.
Fighter aircraft aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln conducted readiness exercises, but no military action was ordered as diplomatic efforts remained the preferred course.
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