Trump pivots back to sanctions for Iran as other strategies to end his war fizzle

President Trump secretly transferred to a different aircraft while departing Ankara, Turkey, in an effort to protect his safety amid concerns of an Iranian threat, according to a U.S. official with direct knowledge of the incident. Intelligence sources had uncovered a credible plan to launch a missile at the plane on which the president was traveling as he departed Ankara, the capital city of Turkey.

The president had acknowledged the risks associated with the U.S.-Iran conflict, stating that he considered himself Iran's top priority during the NATO summit.

The U.S. Secret Service advised Trump to utilize the older Air Force One for security reasons during his earlier departure. It was reported that a catering truck facilitated the clandestine transfer, allowing the president to board the older aircraft while the catering truck continued to another U.S. government plane—a C-32A—after dropping the president off.

Multiple Trump administration officials expressed disappointment over the leaked details of this covert operation, suggesting that it may impede future protective measures for U.S. presidents.

During the transfer, the press and some members of Trump's staff were flown on a decoy plane, with the press and Trump's staff believing they were on the same aircraft as the president. The new Air Force One, donated by Qatar, was subsequently dispatched for further upgrades after questions arose regarding its security features.

White House communications director Steven Cheung commented on the decision, stating that the new plane is state-of-the-art and equipped with advanced security protocols to ensure the safety of the president and his staff.