Israel has reportedly warned the United States of a fresh Iranian plot to assassinate President Donald Trump, raising fears of a dangerous escalation at a time when Washington is trying to balance diplomacy with military readiness in its confrontation with Tehran.
The intelligence, according to sources familiar with the matter, was shared with American officials this week and centered on what was described as a specific assassination plan. Details of the alleged plot were not immediately disclosed, and US officials had not independently confirmed the Israeli information at the time it was received.
The warning has introduced a new layer of tension into an already volatile moment involving the United States, Iran and Israel. For years, American officials have warned that Iran may seek revenge against Trump and other current and former US officials over the 2020 drone strike that killed Major General Qasem Soleimani, the former commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force.
Trump appeared to reference the threat while speaking with reporters, saying Iran continued to view him as a target. He said he had seen reports suggesting he was on Iranian target lists and warned that such threats must be dealt with before they become more dangerous.
It was not immediately clear whether the President was referring to the latest Israeli warning or to separate intelligence assessments about possible Iranian retaliation.
Although the Israeli report has heightened concern, some US officials are reportedly approaching the intelligence with caution. Sources familiar with recent assessments said American intelligence agencies have been monitoring several actors who have discussed possible attacks, though no immediate action had been detected.
Some officials also believe the Israeli warning may be part of a broader effort by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to influence Trump’s decision making as he considers whether to take a harder line against Iran.
Netanyahu has repeatedly expressed skepticism about diplomatic engagement with Tehran and has pushed for a tougher response to Iran’s nuclear programme and regional activities. His position has at times complicated Trump’s efforts to pursue negotiations while keeping military options on the table.
The latest development comes as US-Iran diplomacy faces renewed pressure. Although Trump recently declared that a memorandum of understanding with Iran was “over,” officials said quiet diplomatic contacts are still continuing behind the scenes, with Washington and Tehran reportedly working toward a possible nuclear deal by mid August.
At the same time, American forces have remained on alert. Officials said preparations had been made for possible strikes if needed, though Washington appeared to be holding back in favor of diplomacy. On the USS Abraham Lincoln, crews reportedly armed fighter jets and conducted drills in case they were ordered to carry out operations.
Despite those preparations, US forces continued routine defensive flights, reflecting the delicate balance between readiness and restraint as Washington seeks to avoid a wider conflict while protecting American interests.
The alleged assassination plot could further complicate that balance. If confirmed, it may increase pressure on Trump to adopt a more aggressive posture toward Tehran and strengthen Israel’s argument that diplomacy with Iran carries serious risks.
For now, the report has sharpened already high tensions among the United States, Israel and Iran, leaving Washington to assess the credibility of the intelligence, the danger of escalation and the prospects for diplomacy in one of the world’s most sensitive security flashpoints.
