'Soon in a trash can': Iran mocks Trump's secret getaway via catering truck

Iranian state media has ridiculed US President Donald Trump over a covert aircraft transfer during his exit from Turkey last month, arguing it shows Washington's apprehension towards Tehran's military prowess. An Iranian TV host dubbed the incident a "new scandal" and said it has turned into a source of shame for the US leader. The commentary followed fresh revelations about the security arrangements for Trump's return from the NATO summit in Ankara.

The move was prompted by an alleged threat that the presidential aircraft could be hit by a surface-to-air missile. President Trump was covertly shifted from Air Force One to a smaller C-32A government jet, while the larger aircraft left separately with senior officials, staff, and journalists aboard.

The New York Times had reported that Iranian intelligence had knowledge of Trump's whereabouts in Ankara, including the floor of his hotel. Tehran has not publicly addressed these allegations or the aircraft switch. The incident quickly became fodder for Iranian propaganda and online posts. Iran's embassy in South Africa shared a meme depicting Trump in a catering box packed with food, accompanied by a warning that he "would soon be found in a trash can."

In a subsequent post, Iran claimed that "the one they claimed was hiding in a bunker was killed in his office," while the one boasting about his powerful warships and advanced B-2 bombers "ended up fleeing in a food truck."

The catering truck was reportedly utilized to hide Trump and a small entourage as they transitioned from the presidential aircraft to the smaller jet on July 8. Iranian state media also emphasized the broader implications of the incident, with a TV commentator arguing that the extensive security measures illustrated Iran's military reach. Tehran has previously dismissed US claims of involvement in plots against Trump.