Israel shared intelligence with US of Iranian plot to assassinate Trump, sources say
Jerusalem Alerts Washington to Potential Iranian Assassination Scheme Against Trump
New Intelligence Adds Complexity to Diplomatic Efforts
Israel shared intelligence with US of Iranian – According to two individuals knowledgeable about the situation, Israel communicated critical information to American officials indicating that Tehran has formulated a fresh strategy to eliminate President Donald Trump. This revelation introduces additional complications as negotiations for a ceasefire between the nations face mounting pressure. One source indicated the notification arrived during the current week, while another noted that American intelligence had been accumulating consistent reports over recent weeks regarding potential assassination attempts. However, the Israeli intelligence represented something distinct—a targeted operation rather than general threats.
Some American officials have suggested that Jerusalem’s report might serve as an attempt to shape Trump’s approach as he considers whether to escalate military operations against Iran. The specifics of the proposed plot remained unclear at the time of reporting. Two sources confirmed that Washington had not independently verified the information nor had they been monitoring this particular threat prior to receiving the Israeli alert.
Washington has previously cautioned that Iran might attempt to assassinate Trump as retaliation for the 2020 drone strike he authorized, which resulted in the death of prominent Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani. When asked about the Israeli warning—initially published by the Wall Street Journal—the White House directed attention to Trump’s recent statements regarding Iran’s intentions. “They want to take out the US leader — me,” Trump told journalists on 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.”
Later in the day, Trump mentioned discovering a recently compiled ranking that placed him as Iran’s primary assassination objective. It remained uncertain whether this reference connected to the fresh Israeli intelligence. During the weekend, large groups of Iranians chanted for Trump’s death while attending funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who perished at the beginning of the ongoing conflict.
Regional Tensions Continue to Escalate
Relations between Washington and Tehran have deteriorated significantly in recent days, with both nations exchanging threats and military strikes as a 60-day ceasefire agreement begins to unravel. Two sources with knowledge of recent American intelligence assessments stated that the intelligence community is monitoring multiple entities that have discussed potential attacks without yet executing them. One source noted that US agencies have expressed concern that Iran might target several current and former senior officials.
However, that same source explained that the Israeli report is being interpreted—partially—as part of a wider Israeli campaign to influence Trump’s decision-making regarding Iran. Within the intelligence community, skepticism toward Israeli assessments remains common, according to the source. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly questioned Trump’s diplomatic initiatives with Iran and has clashed with the president over Israeli military operations in Lebanon, which complicated ongoing negotiations.
The two leaders held a telephone conversation on Thursday, and Netanyahu is anticipated to travel to Washington shortly for discussions with the president. On Thursday, another American official confirmed that diplomatic channels remain active behind the scenes, despite the resumption of strikes between the parties and Trump’s announcement the previous day that the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran had concluded. Washington and Tehran are working toward finalizing a nuclear agreement by mid-August.
Multiple officials indicated that preparations for potential military strikes were underway for Thursday night, though they chose to prioritize diplomatic solutions. Earlier that day aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, ship crews loaded fighter jets with weapons while pilots conducted practice drills in case strike missions became necessary. The aircraft carrier’s commanding officer, Dan Keeler, informed thousands of crew members that conditions were intensifying. Throughout the day and night, fighter pilots maintained routine defensive operations with continuous flights taking off and returning.
This developing story has been updated. CNN’s Zachary Cohen contributed to this report.
