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Trump made a covert exit from Turkey due to an Iranian missile threat on Air Force One, secretly switching planes after a NATO summit.
File image of United States President Donald Trump and visuals from the Turkey airport. (Source: Reuters/X)
An Iranian threat involving a possible surface-to-air missile attack on Air Force One prompted United States President Donald Trump to make a covert exit from Turkey last month, with the US president secretly switching aircraft as he wrapped up his visit to the NATO summit in Ankara, according to two US officials, The New York Times reported.
What US Intelligence Knew About Iranian Threat?
US intelligence agencies had gathered several pieces of information pointing to a potential attack.
One stream indicated that a surface-to-air missile could be used against whichever aircraft was carrying Trump, while another suggested that an individual near the NATO summit venue had been seen with a shoulder-fired missile, the NYT reported.
The intelligence also indicated that Iranian operatives knew precisely where Trump was staying in Ankara, including the floor of the building where he was lodged, the officials said.
The threat was considered serious enough for Trump and senior administration officials to undertake an elaborate deception operation before leaving Turkey.
What Happened At Turkey Airport?
Trump initially boarded the older Air Force One aircraft in full view of cameras. He had earlier said he would use the plane “for old time’s sake”. But the public departure was reportedly a decoy.
Instead, Trump was moved discreetly inside a catering container and transferred to a military aircraft that flew him out of Turkey.
In footage, the catering truck was seen positioned close to the side of Air Force One before moving away from the presidential aircraft. The video did not show Trump entering or exiting the vehicle.
Trump reportedly used an extraordinary deception operation to leave Turkey last month after an Iranian assassination threat prompted authorities to conceal his movements.
The operation unfolded after Trump attended the NATO summit in Ankara, where he had arrived aboard the newly refurbished Boeing 747 donated by Qatar. While the world believed he would leave Turkey on the aircraft, Trump was instead moved to an Air Force C-32A before continuing his journey to Britain.
Also Read: Trump Confirms Turkey Plane Switch After Military, Secret Service Warn Of Threat: ‘I Go By Them’
Trump Confirms Turkey Plane Switch
Meanwhile, Trump has confirmed that he secretly switched planes during his recent Turkey trip after the Secret Service and US military advised him to do so over a possible “threat”.
Trump said he did not seek extensive details about the nature of the threat and instead followed the recommendations of his security team.
He also suggested that the risks he faces stem from his importance as president, describing himself as “maybe the most consequential President”.
“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,” Donald Trump said.
“I guess there was a threat out there. I didn’t really ask too much about it. I get a lot of threats,” he added.
About the Author
Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st…Read More
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
August 12, 2026, 10:08 IST
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