Israel shared intelligence with US on fresh Iranian plot to kill Trump — Report

Israel has passed intelligence to the United States alleging that Iran recently developed a fresh plot to assassinate President Donald Trump, CNN reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter, as tensions rise over a fragile ceasefire between both countries.

According to the report, one of the sources said the warning was delivered this week, while another said US intelligence had in recent weeks been receiving repeated signals about possible threats against Trump. The Israeli warning, however, was said to involve a specific alleged plot.

Some American officials believe the Israeli intelligence may also be aimed at shaping Trump’s thinking as he considers whether to step up US military action against Iran.

The exact details of the alleged plot were not immediately known. Two sources familiar with the matter told CNN that US officials had not independently verified the intelligence and were not already monitoring the reported plot before Israel raised the alarm. American authorities have for years warned that Iran could attempt to target Trump over the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.

When asked about the Israeli warning, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, the White House referred to Trump’s recent remarks about threats from Iran.

“They want to take out the US leader — me,” Trump told reporters 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. That cancer. You know what you do? You’ve got to cut out cancer early. And that’s the way I feel.”

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Trump later said he had recently been informed of a new list placing him at the top of Iran’s assassination targets, although it remains unclear whether he was referring to the intelligence reportedly shared by Israel.

The development comes amid heightened hostility between Washington and Tehran. During funeral rites over the weekend for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, crowds in Iran reportedly chanted for Trump’s death.

The United States and Iran have in recent days exchanged threats and strikes, deepening concerns that the 60-day ceasefire between them is falling apart.

CNN also reported that US intelligence officials are monitoring several individuals who have discussed possible attacks but have not acted. One of the sources said intelligence agencies remain worried that Iran could target current and former senior American officials. The same source, however, said the Israeli report is also being viewed partly as part of a broader push by Israel to influence Trump’s position on Iran, noting that some within the US intelligence community remain cautious about Israeli intelligence assessments.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly expressed reservations about Trump’s diplomatic approach to Iran and has also disagreed with him over Israeli military operations in Lebanon, which have complicated ongoing talks. Netanyahu spoke with Trump by phone on Thursday and is expected in Washington soon for further discussions.

Despite the renewed exchange of strikes and Trump’s statement on Wednesday that the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran was “over,” another US official said diplomatic engagement with Tehran is still continuing behind closed doors. Both sides are reportedly working toward a nuclear agreement by mid-August.

Several officials also said preparations had been made for possible strikes on Thursday night if required, but those plans were put aside in favour of diplomacy. Earlier on Thursday aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, fighter jets were armed and pilots carried out drills in case they were ordered into action. The carrier’s commanding officer, Dan Keeler, told crew members that tensions were escalating.

Even as those preparations continued, fighter pilots reportedly maintained routine defensive operations, with flights continuing throughout the day and night.

(CNN)