Iranian state media has mocked US President Donald Trump over the secret aircraft switch that took place during his departure from Turkey last month, portraying the episode as evidence of Washington's fear of Iran's military capabilities.
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A presenter on Iranian state television described the incident as a new “scandal” for Trump and said it had become a source of humiliation for the US president. The comments came after new details emerged about the security operation during Trump's return from the Nato summit in Ankara.
The operation was prompted by what US officials described as a credible threat that the presidential aircraft could be targeted by a shoulder-fired missile. Trump was secretly moved from Air Force One to a smaller C-32A government jet, while the larger presidential aircraft left separately with senior administration officials, staff and journalists on board.
The New York Times had reported that US intelligence also found that Iranian operatives knew where Trump was staying in Ankara, including the floor of his hotel. Tehran has not officially commented on those allegations or the aircraft switch.
The episode quickly became material for Iranian propaganda and social media. Iran's embassy in South Africa posted a meme showing Trump inside a catering box filled with food, alongside a warning that he would “be hidden in a trash can before long”.
