'Fear of our military': Iran mocks Trump over secret aircraft switch during Turkey trip

Iranian state media have mocked US President Donald Trump over his secret switch from Air Force One to another aircraft while leaving Turkey last month, portraying the extraordinary security manoeuvre as evidence that Washington fears Tehran's military capabilities. The taunts followed reports that Trump was discreetly moved to a smaller US military aircraft after American authorities received intelligence about a possible Iranian-linked threat during his visit to Ankara for a NATO summit in July.

Tehran mocks Trump

Iranian state television and other state-linked outlets seized on details of the operation after they became public this week. Fars News Agency said the episode demonstrated the "fear of our military", while other Iranian outlets circulated mocking commentary and memes about the US President's covert departure. One image circulated by Iranian media depicted Trump hiding inside a catering truck, referring to reports that such a vehicle was used as part of the operation to move him discreetly between aircraft. Iranian media portrayed the episode as a sign of American vulnerability despite the vast military resources deployed to protect the US President.

Secret aircraft switch

The unusual security operation took place as Trump prepared to leave Ankara following the NATO summit. Trump appeared to board Air Force One, but was subsequently moved covertly to a Boeing C-32A, a smaller military aircraft used to transport senior US officials. Air Force One departed separately with officials, staff and journalists aboard, effectively serving as a decoy.

Trump and a small group of aides left Turkey aboard the alternate aircraft before later continuing their journey.

The operation was kept secret from most of the people travelling with the President, including members of the press corps.

Missile threat feared

Fresh reports indicate that the elaborate switch was prompted by intelligence concerning a possible missile threat.

A source familiar with the episode told Reuters that authorities had received information about a credible and imminent threat involving a shoulder-fired, heat-seeking missile. The intelligence prompted the US Secret Service to change Trump's travel arrangements.

Another report said US authorities feared that an Iranian-linked cell might have entered Turkey with a shoulder-fired missile and had information about Trump's movements in Ankara.

The threat was considered serious enough to justify the highly unusual decoy operation, even though Trump was visiting Turkey, a NATO ally.

Trump confirms switch

Trump has confirmed that he changed aircraft during the Turkey trip, saying the decision was taken because officials believed there could be a security risk.

The President defended the precaution, saying authorities had considered there to be a greater danger associated with his planned departure aboard Air Force One.

The White House has maintained that presidential security officials take necessary precautions when credible threats emerge.

The revelation has nevertheless raised questions about why passengers aboard Air Force One, including senior officials and journalists, were apparently not informed that the aircraft was being used as part of a decoy operation.

US-Iran tensions

The incident unfolded against the backdrop of severe tensions between Washington and Tehran following months of military confrontation and threats.

US authorities have also remained concerned about Iranian threats against Trump and other senior American officials. The President has previously warned Tehran of military retaliation if Iran attempts to assassinate him.

Iranian media have now turned the security operation into a propaganda opportunity, arguing that Trump's secret departure showed that Iranian military capabilities continue to influence US calculations.

The episode highlights the extraordinary security concerns surrounding Trump's overseas travel as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high despite efforts to prevent another major escalation.