AiBotTEL AVIV, Israel–Israel’s top intelligence official has informed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken of Tehran’s alleged plan to carry out another attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life, according to U.S. intelligence and Israeli government officials.
U.S. officials have confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that Israel informed the U.S. of the reported assassination plot against Mr. Trump, who has become a polarizing figure since leaving the White House in January 2021. Mr. Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric regarding the conflict between Israel and Iran is believed to be a major concern for Tehran, leading to fears that Iranian agents and operatives might target him.
The reported intelligence warning from Israel was reportedly received by the U.S. in the past month, though no further details on the nature and timing of the alleged plot were disclosed. According to senior Israeli government officials, Mr. Trump’s repeated comments and actions have created a heightened sense of urgency within the Israeli government to keep him informed of potential threats against him.
While the Israeli government declined to comment on the specific nature of the alleged Iranian plot against Mr. Trump, officials did confirm that Israel remains committed to providing the U.S. with all necessary intelligence to protect its former head of state from potential terrorist threats.
“We take all threats seriously, especially when they involve the safety and security of former heads of state,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement to The Wall Street Journal. “We cooperate closely with our Israeli partners to ensure that all possible measures are taken to protect the safety of Mr. Trump and his loved ones.”
The alleged Iranian plot against Mr. Trump is the latest indication of the growing tensions between Washington and Tehran following Mr. Trump’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and reimposing harsh economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Since Mr. Trump left office, Iran has carried out a range of cyberattacks and other hostile actions against the U.S.
In a separate statement, a spokesperson for Mr. Trump declined to comment on the specific allegations regarding an Iranian assassination plot against him.