Iran Reportedly Knew Trump’s Hotel Location And Floor During NATO Summit
Report details Iran’s alleged knowledge of Trump’s NATO summit location.
US intelligence agencies received multiple warnings of a possible Iranian missile attack targeting the aircraft carrying President Donald Trump during the NATO summit in Turkey last month, prompting a secret operation to move him out of the country, according to a New York Times report.
The security warning emerged as Trump prepared to leave Ankara on July 8, the final day of the NATO summit. Two US officials familiar with the intelligence told the newspaper that multiple streams of information pointed to a specific threat involving a surface-to-air missile targeting Air Force One. Intelligence agencies also reportedly believed Iranian operatives knew where Trump was staying, including the floor of the building where he had been accommodated.
The information was considered credible enough for US authorities to undertake an unusual deception operation. Trump publicly boarded the older Air Force One in front of cameras, creating the impression that he would depart Turkey on that aircraft. However, the plane took off with White House personnel, security staff, support workers and members of the travelling press pool, while Trump was secretly moved through the airport and transferred to a smaller military aircraft.
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The operation left journalists travelling with the president unaware that they were part of the deception. Some members of the press later criticised the White House for not informing them about the security threat. The unusual evacuation was designed to prevent a potential attacker from knowing which aircraft was carrying the president as he left Turkey.
Trump had arrived in Turkey aboard a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar that was being prepared for potential future use as a presidential aircraft. According to the report, the aircraft did not have the same anti-missile defensive capabilities as the older Air Force One. This reportedly contributed to the decision to use the older presidential aircraft as part of the operation.
Trump later appeared to play down the seriousness of the threat when questioned about the aircraft switch. He indicated that the Secret Service and military had wanted him to use another aircraft and that he had not sought extensive details about the warning. The reported operation nevertheless underscores the extent of security precautions taken around the US president amid heightened tensions with Iran.
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