CIA analysts reportedly assessed assassination intelligence as low confidence despite Secret Service ordering extraordinary security measures after Türkiye visit

WASHINGTON: US intelligence officials reportedly questioned the credibility of Israeli-provided information alleging an Iranian assassination threat against President Donald Trump, despite the warning contributing to extraordinary security measures during his departure from Türkiye last month.

The Washington Post, citing current and former US officials, reported that CIA analysts did not find the Israeli intelligence sufficiently compelling and communicated their scepticism to Trump administration officials.

One official reportedly described the intelligence as Israeli-derived rather than independently generated by the United States and assessed it with “low confidence.”

Nevertheless, the Secret Service treated the potential threat seriously while Trump departed Ankara following the July 8 NATO summit.

Secret Service Ordered Extraordinary Security Operation

Security officials secretly transferred Trump from a legacy Air Force One to a military C-32A aircraft, reportedly transporting him across the airport inside a catering truck.

Trump then flew with a small group of aides to RAF Mildenhall in Britain under an F-16 fighter escort.

Meanwhile, the White House defended the precautions, saying Trump has faced numerous threats, including from Iran, and authorities take every necessary measure to protect the president.

Trump said Tuesday that he followed Secret Service instructions and accepted its recommendation to switch aircraft.

The CIA declined to comment on the reported intelligence assessment.

Questions Emerge Over Israeli Intelligence Motives

Furthermore, the reported CIA doubts have prompted scrutiny of why Israel supplied the intelligence and whether officials intended it solely as a security warning.

According to the Post, some current and former US intelligence officials questioned whether the information also sought to influence Trump’s regional policy decisions.

A former official reportedly said the warning fitted a broader pattern in which some Israeli intelligence reporting appeared designed both to inform and influence presidential decision-making.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly received briefings about the Israeli intelligence and Trump’s security arrangements.

However, Rubio still boarded the legacy Air Force One aircraft, while security officials moved Trump separately under heightened protection.