Iranian state media mocks Trump over reported secret aircraft switch in Turkey

Ankara, Turkey. Iranian state media mocked U.S. President Donald Trump after reports that he secretly switched aircraft while leaving Turkey, portraying the move as evidence of concern over Iran’s military capabilities. The reported operation followed a threat that Air Force One could be targeted by a shoulder-fired missile.

Reported security operation

A person briefed on the matter said the Secret Service considered the threat credible and imminent, prompting measures to conceal the president’s movements during the final day of Trump’s visit to Ankara for a NATO summit.

According to the source, Trump and a small group of aides used a catering truck to move from the presidential aircraft to a smaller, unmarked C-32A jet for the July 8 flight from Turkey. Air Force One reportedly departed separately with senior administration officials, White House staff and the travelling press corps.

The New York Times reported that U.S. officials were concerned after learning that Iranians knew where Trump was staying in Ankara, including the floor of his hotel.

Iranian reaction

A presenter on Iranian state television said the reported aircraft change was linked to fear of Iran’s military power and described the episode as a source of humiliation for Trump.

Tehran has not officially commented on the allegations or the reported aircraft switch. The White House could not be immediately reached outside working hours.

Billboards and murals in Tehran have depicted Trump and Israel, including images of Trump lying in a coffin and drowning in the sea.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader, pledged vengeance last month for the death of his father and predecessor, who was killed on the first day of the war.

Iran’s embassy in South Africa posted on X that Trump “will be hidden in a trash can before long”, alongside an image depicting him inside a catering box filled with food.