U.S. President Donald Trump switched aircraft while departing Turkey this month after officials identified a credible threat from Iranian-backed groups, according to a news report. The New York Times reported that the threat targeted both Trump and Air Force One.
Trump had flown to Ankara for a NATO summit on a Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar. That plane lacks some advanced defensive systems found on the older Air Force One aircraft. After intelligence about the threat emerged, the U.S. Secret Service urged Trump to change planes before leaving Turkey.
The report, citing people briefed on the matter, said the intelligence indicated that Iranian proxy forces were aiming at Trump and whichever plane he was using. It was not specifically directed at the newer aircraft.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. No further details about the nature of the threat or the timing of the switch were disclosed. The White House has not commented on the report. The NATO summit in Ankara was one of several international meetings Trump attended that month.