Kathmandu— An alleged assassination threat from Iran prompted former United States President Donald Trump to secretly switch planes while traveling in Türkiye, utilizing Air Force One as a diversionary tactic, according to reports from US media outlets. Trump reportedly transferred to a smaller military aircraft via a catering container on July 8th following the NATO summit in Ankara, unbeknownst to many members of the press pool and some White House staff. The operation was triggered by credible intelligence regarding a potential threat linked to Iran, leading to an elaborate deception to ensure his safety during transit to the United Kingdom.

Deception Operation Details

Trump had publicly stated he would depart Türkiye on an older Boeing 747, but instead boarded a C-32A aircraft after being moved through a catering container. This maneuver was intended to conceal his actual departure route and protect him from the perceived Iranian threat. Journalists traveling with what they believed to be Air Force One were instructed to keep their window shades closed, raising suspicions about security concerns among some in the press corps and even within White House staff.

Iranian Threat Confirmed

The initial reports of a potential threat linked to Iran surfaced previously in US media, explaining Trump’s decision not to utilize the new Air Force One – a Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar – for his departure. Trump initially explained his choice as a nostalgic preference for the older aircraft, but multiple outlets have now confirmed that security concerns stemming from Iran-aligned armed groups were the primary driver behind the switch.

White House Response

Responding to reports of the plane swap, White House Communications Director Steve Cheung defended the Qatari-gifted Air Force One, emphasizing its advanced security features. “The new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with high-level security protocols that ensure the safety of the President and his staff,” Cheung said. He added that the US utilizes “every tool” available to counter threats against the president, acknowledging that “there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him.”

Following his arrival in the UK, Trump appeared before the media exiting the decoy Air Force One before continuing his journey to Washington D.C. aboard the new aircraft gifted by Qatar.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.