Israel has shared intelligence with the United States alleging that Iran recently developed a fresh plot to assassinate President Donald Trump, according to a CNN report citing sources familiar with the matter, as tensions continue to rise despite a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
The report said one source revealed that the warning was delivered earlier this week, while another said US intelligence agencies had already been receiving repeated indications in recent weeks of possible threats against Trump. However, the Israeli intelligence reportedly pointed to a specific alleged assassination plot.
According to CNN, US officials have not independently verified the intelligence and were not actively tracking the alleged plot before Israel raised the alarm. Some American officials also believe the intelligence may be intended to influence Trump’s decision on whether to intensify US military action against Iran.
The White House declined to comment directly on the report, instead referring to Trump’s remarks earlier this week.
“They want to take out the US leader — me,” Trump told reporters on Wednesday. “I’m on whatever list. I saw this morning I’m on every single one of their lists. And so far, I guess I’ve been a bit lucky, but maybe that doesn’t last very long. These are evil, sick people. And we have to root out that cancer.”
Trump also claimed he had recently been informed that he topped a new list of Iranian assassination targets, although it remains unclear whether he was referring to the intelligence reportedly shared by Israel.
US authorities have long warned that Iran could seek revenge against Trump over the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani.
The report comes as relations between Washington and Tehran remain highly strained. During funeral ceremonies over the weekend for Iran’s slain Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, crowds reportedly chanted slogans calling for Trump’s death.
CNN also reported that US intelligence agencies are monitoring several individuals who have discussed possible attacks, although no action has been taken. Officials remain concerned that Iran could target current and former senior US officials.
At the same time, some within the US intelligence community are reportedly treating the Israeli assessment with caution, suggesting it may also form part of a broader effort by Israel to shape Trump’s policy towards Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly expressed concerns about Trump’s diplomatic approach to Tehran and has disagreed with aspects of US policy in the region. Netanyahu spoke with Trump by telephone on Thursday and is expected to visit Washington for further talks.
Despite renewed exchanges of threats and military strikes, diplomatic contacts between the United States and Iran are reportedly continuing behind the scenes, with both sides said to be working towards reaching a nuclear agreement by mid-August.
CNN further reported that US military officials had prepared contingency plans for possible strikes on Thursday night, but those plans were shelved in favour of ongoing diplomatic efforts. Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, fighter jets were armed and pilots conducted readiness drills, although routine defensive patrols continued throughout the day.
