Israel shared intelligence with the United States about an Iranian plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump, according to sources familiar with the matter. The disclosure comes as the U.S. has struck about 90 targets in response to Iran's attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf region.
Details of the intelligence sharing
The intelligence, passed from Israeli agencies to their U.S. counterparts, reportedly outlined a plan by Iranian operatives to target Trump. Sources did not specify the timing or method of the alleged plot, but the information was deemed credible enough to trigger security alerts. The White House and Israeli officials have not publicly commented on the report, which was first published by CNN.
Escalation in the Gulf
The development comes amid a sharp escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions. The U.S. military conducted strikes on approximately 90 targets in response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. The strikes mark a significant expansion of U.S. military operations in the region. Joy Malbon reported on the renewed conflict, noting that war has returned to the Gulf as the U.S. retaliates against Iran's maritime aggression.
Broader context
The alleged assassination plot adds a new dimension to the already fraught relationship between Washington and Tehran. Iran has previously been accused of plotting attacks on U.S. officials, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former national security adviser John Bolton. In 2022, the Justice Department charged a member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps with plotting to murder Bolton. Trump himself was the target of a reported Iranian assassination plot in 2020, according to U.S. officials.
Impact on regional stability
The intelligence sharing underscores the close cooperation between Israel and the U.S. on Iranian threats. Israel has long viewed Iran as its primary adversary and has conducted covert operations against Iranian nuclear and military sites. The alleged plot against Trump, if confirmed, would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran's willingness to target former U.S. leaders. The situation remains fluid, with U.S. and Israeli security agencies likely increasing protective measures for Trump and other current and former officials.
