Washington, July 10: Israeli intelligence has reportedly warned the United States of a fresh alleged Iranian plot targeting President Donald Trump, intensifying concerns over escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. The reported intelligence assessment surfaced as Trump publicly declared that he remains Iran’s “number one” assassination target and said the alleged threats would not alter his administration’s policy towards the Islamic Republic.
According to reports published by The Wall Street Journal and CNN, Israeli intelligence recently conveyed information to US authorities indicating that Iran was considering a new assassination plot against Trump. The reports described the intelligence as a potentially significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation between the two countries.
CNN, citing two sources familiar with the matter, reported that Israel shared the intelligence assessment with US officials. However, the network said American authorities had not independently verified the information before receiving the Israeli warning.
Responding to questions regarding the reports, the White House referred both news organisations to remarks made by Trump during the NATO summit, where he openly acknowledged that he considers himself Tehran’s principal target.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he was “number one on the kill list for Iran” and stated that the possibility of being targeted would not influence his decisions. He also remarked that he was “doing what’s right for the country” and “doing what’s right for the world.”
During a separate meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump reiterated that he believed Iran wanted to target the leader of the United States. He also described the presidency as a dangerous office while dismissing suggestions that security concerns had influenced his travel arrangements involving the new Air Force One aircraft.
Trump linked the reported threats to his administration’s efforts against Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities, maintaining that the alleged risks would not affect US policy.
CNN also reported that US intelligence agencies continue monitoring several individuals who have discussed possible attacks on current and former senior American officials. The network quoted one US official as saying some members of the intelligence community viewed the Israeli assessment as part of broader efforts to influence US decision-making on Iran, while noting that diplomatic engagement with Tehran continues despite renewed military action and deteriorating relations.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran has repeatedly vowed retaliation against Trump following the January 2020 US drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. The newspaper also reported that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone on Thursday and agreed to maintain coordination between the two countries despite differences over the future direction of policy towards Iran.
Both news organisations reported that the latest intelligence warning comes amid heightened tensions following the collapse of a 60-day ceasefire, renewed US military strikes and Iranian attacks on commercial shipping. They also noted that anti-Trump slogans were publicly raised during funeral ceremonies for Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reflecting the increasingly confrontational nature of relations between Washington and Tehran.
