Rabat – An Iranian assassination threat prompted US President Donald Trump to secretly swap planes while leaving Turkey last month, using the presidential aircraft as a decoy as he flew to Britain aboard a smaller military aircraft.
The Washington Post reported that the operation occurred while Trump was in Ankara for a Nato summit. Minutes after boarding Air Force One in full view of television cameras, Trump was secretly transferred to a separate military aircraft using a catering truck.
US officials detected a credible Iranian threat to fire a missile at Trump’s plane, according to the BBC. The White House, however, has not confirmed the secret aircraft switch. The report comes after Trump stated during the Nato summit in Ankara that he was Iran’s “number one target.”
The clandestine manoeuvre came a day after the US renewed military strikes on Iran following a breakdown in negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the war.
Air Force One used as decoy
Air Force One proceeded to Britain without Trump, while journalists on board, who believed they were traveling with the president, were instructed to lower their window shades. The post reported that several White House staff members were also unaware of his absence, believing he remained on board.
Asked later why journalists had been instructed to close their window shades, Trump remarked that they were “probably on a dangerous flight,” adding, “But if I go, you go. Right?”
The White House defended the security protocols surrounding Trump’s travel following reports of the covert flight. White House Communications Director Steve Cheung stated that the Qatari-donated presidential jet is equipped with high-level security measures to protect the president and his staff.
Cheung added that several enemies of the US had Trump “in their sights,” saying the administration uses every available tool to address threats against him.
