Israel's decision to share intelligence alleging a new Iranian assassination plot against US President Donald Trump may have been aimed not only at warning Washington but also at influencing the White House's approach towards Iran, according to CNN, which cited US officials familiar with the matter.
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The report said some US officials believe the intelligence formed part of a broader Israeli effort to persuade Trump to escalate military action against Tehran. However, both a US official and an Israeli source told CNN that the intelligence reflected the intentions of hardliners within Iran's leadership rather than evidence of a detailed, operational assassination plan.
According to the report, Iran's newly appointed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Ahmad Vahidi was among those advocating targeting Trump. Vahidi is also reportedly on a US list of Iranian "obstructionists" accused of undermining ongoing negotiations, with American officials having considered military action against individuals on the list if a wider conflict resumes.
'Israel came up with nothing': Trump
Trump himself dismissed reports of a fresh Israeli intelligence warning. Speaking to The New York Post, he said, "No, no. Israel came up with nothing." He nevertheless maintained that Iran had wanted him dead for years and warned that he had "left instructions" for the United States to respond with overwhelming military force if he were assassinated.
A region on edge
The intelligence controversy comes as the US and Iran attempt to keep fragile diplomatic contacts alive following a ceasefire agreement. American officials say Washington is demanding that Tehran publicly guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz after recent attacks on commercial shipping. They also accuse hardline factions inside Iran of attempting to derail negotiations by violating the ceasefire.
Iran, however, insists the strategically vital waterway falls exclusively under its control and has rejected any external role in securing maritime traffic. Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme remains peaceful but continues to reject key US demands, including handing over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
