Israeli intelligence warns of new Iranian plot to assassinate Trump, WSJ reports

Intelligence warning

Israeli intelligence recently shared new information with Washington about a fresh Iranian plan to assassinate Donald Trump, the Wall Street Journal reported. The plot had not previously been monitored by US agencies, according to sources cited by the newspaper. American authorities are now evaluating the material.

They want to eliminate the leader of the United States, me.

Trump addressed the threats on 8 July during a press encounter in Turkey. He said he had just seen that his name appears on every Iranian target list, adding he may have had luck so far but it might not last.

Motive and background

Iran has openly vowed revenge for the US killing of Qasem Soleimani, a top general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in January 2020. The operation was ordered by Trump during his first term. The latest intelligence points to a potential new phase in Tehran's retaliation.

Public threats and symbolism

At the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, mourners chanted slogans calling for Trump's death and displayed a banner reading "We will kill Trump," multiple outlets noted. These scenes highlight the depth of hostility within the regime.

Diplomatic strains

Trump spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 9 July. A statement from Netanyahu's office said the discussion covered US actions in the Persian Gulf. The leaders agreed to continue coordinating, but the Wall Street Journal observed that their interests over the Iran war have diverged.

President Trump informed the Prime Minister about the actions being taken by the United States in the Persian Gulf region.

Netanyahu advocates for maintaining military pressure and achieving further war goals, while Trump seeks to wind down the conflict, citing fears that a prolonged war could destabilise the global economy.

Fragile ceasefire

The US and Israel began military operations against Iran on 28 February. A preliminary ceasefire was signed by Trump on 17 June in Versailles. However, recent exchanges have strained the truce, including an Iranian attack on three ships in the Gulf.