Iran Operatives Knew Trump’s Ankara Location As Missile Threat Triggered Secret Exit

A potential Iranian surface-to-air missile attack on the aircraft carrying US President Donald Trump reportedly prompted an elaborate security operation during his visit to Turkey last month, including a covert switch from Air Force One to a military plane, according to US officials cited by The New York Times.

US intelligence agencies had reportedly gathered multiple pieces of information pointing to a possible attack during Trump's visit to Ankara for the NATO summit.

One intelligence stream indicated that a surface-to-air missile could be used against the aircraft carrying Trump, while another suggested that an individual near the summit venue had been spotted with a shoulder-fired missile.

Iranian Operatives Knew Where Trump Was Staying

The intelligence reportedly also indicated that Iranian operatives knew the precise location of Trump's accommodation in Ankara, including the floor where he was staying.

The information was considered serious enough for US security officials to arrange a deception operation to conceal Trump's movements as he left Turkey.

Trump Boarded Air Force One As A Decoy

Trump initially boarded the older Air Force One in full view of television cameras, after previously saying he would use the aircraft "for old time's sake".

But the public departure was reportedly part of the deception.

Trump was instead moved discreetly across the airport inside a catering container before being transferred to a US Air Force C-32A. The military aircraft then carried him out of Turkey towards Britain.

Footage showed a catering truck positioned close to Air Force One before driving away from the aircraft, although the video did not show Trump entering or leaving the vehicle.

Air Force One Continued With Journalists Aboard

The presidential aircraft continued its journey with journalists and some White House staff aboard, who were reportedly unaware that Trump had secretly left the plane.

The operation allowed the aircraft's movements to appear consistent with the publicly expected departure while Trump travelled separately.

Trump Confirms Secret Aircraft Switch

Trump has since confirmed that he switched planes during his Turkey visit after the Secret Service and US military advised him to do so because of a potential threat.

"I go by Secret Service and the military. They wanted me to go on a different flight, a different plane… I do what they say," Trump said.

Asked about the nature of the threat, Trump said he had not sought extensive details.

"I guess there was a threat out there. I didn't really ask too much about it. I get a lot of threats," he said.

Trump also suggested that the security risks were linked to his position as President, describing himself as "maybe the most consequential President".

The reported operation underscores the extent of security precautions taken around Trump's movements amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran.