Israel warns Washington about fresh Iranian plot to assassinate Trump

New intelligence from Tel Aviv is increasing pressure on the US administration at a time when diplomatic efforts with Tehran are at risk of failure.

The United States has received fresh intelligence from Israel that Iran has developed a renewed plan to assassinate President Donald Trump. The warning came this week and concerns a specific operation, rather than the general threats that American intelligence agencies have previously identified. The information comes amid a rapidly deteriorating situation around a 60-day truce between Washington and Tehran, which is effectively crumbling under attacks from both sides.

A concrete signal from Israeli partners

Two sources familiar with the developments confirmed to CNN that Israeli intelligence had provided information about the new assassination scheme this week. Previous US assessments had only given a general "drum roll" of possible plans, but the Israeli report was notable for its accuracy and its focus on specific intentions. US officials have not yet been able to independently verify the information, so it remains unconfirmed by the US. At the same time, Washington does not rule out that Tel Aviv could have used the information to influence Trump's decision to increase military pressure on Iran.

President Trump has repeatedly said publicly that Iran is seeking to kill him in retaliation for the 2020 strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he bluntly said, “They want to take out the leader of the United States — me.” He says he’s been on all the Iranian “lists” and considers himself “a little lucky,” though he acknowledges that his luck could run out.

Iranian street reaction and funeral processions

Over the weekend, thousands of people in Tehran and other Iranian cities chanted calls to assassinate Trump during mourning ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei was killed early in the conflict, and his death was a catalyst for a new wave of anti-American sentiment. These public demonstrations coincided with the arrival of an Israeli warning, adding weight to the intelligence.

US intelligence agencies continue to monitor several groups that have discussed possible attacks, but have not yet recorded any concrete actions. At the same time, there is a persistent belief in the US intelligence community that Iran could target not only Trump, but also other current and former senior officials. Some analysts believe the Israeli message is part of a broader campaign to influence Washington's position.

Diplomacy continues despite the strikes

Despite the renewed exchange of strikes and Trump’s declaration that the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran is “completed,” intensive diplomatic contacts continue behind the scenes. Washington and Tehran are trying to reach a nuclear deal by mid-August. On Thursday, the US military prepared for possible strikes, but in the end preferred the diplomatic track. On the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, the crew loaded fighter jets with ammunition and conducted training, and the ship’s commander, Dan Keeler, warned thousands of sailors that the situation was “heating up.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed deep skepticism about Trump's diplomatic initiatives. He spoke with the US president by phone on Thursday and plans to travel to Washington for face-to-face talks soon. Netanyahu has also criticized Israel's military actions in Lebanon, which have complicated the talks.

Historical context of the threats of Iranian operations

The threat from Iran to Trump is not new. After the elimination of Soleimani in January 2020, Tehran repeatedly promised revenge. American intelligence agencies have recorded attempts to recruit agents, plans for cyberattacks, and even attempts at physical elimination in the United States and abroad. Israeli intelligence is traditionally considered one of the most effective in the region against Iranian networks, so its warnings always attract special attention in the Pentagon and the White House.

In 2024–2025, American law enforcement agencies arrested several individuals suspected of plotting attacks in favor of Iran. These cases involved both US citizens and foreigners trying to enter the country. New information from Israel could become an additional argument for increased sanctions or even limited military action.

Impact on the domestic political situation in the USA

The threat has already affected the agenda of the US administration. Trump, who has traditionally shown a tough stance on Iran, is now forced to balance the desire to respond with force with the need to conclude nuclear talks by August. Some members of Congress are already calling for immediate tightening of sanctions and an increased military presence in the region.

At the same time, some American intelligence officials warn against excessive trust in Israeli data, recalling previous cases when Tel Aviv tried to influence Washington's decisions. This skepticism does not prevent the Pentagon and the CIA from carefully checking the information received.

International consequences and the position of the allies

The US's European allies are closely monitoring developments. Britain, France and Germany have already expressed concern about a possible breakdown in talks on Iran's nuclear program. NATO is discussing scenarios for increased patrols in the Persian Gulf and additional measures to protect US military bases in the region.

China and Russia, traditional supporters of Tehran, have so far refrained from direct comment, but analysts expect they could use the situation to increase their own influence in the Middle East. Beijing has already offered its mediation services, but Washington has not yet shown interest.

What's next: development scenarios

Netanyahu's visit to Washington will be a key moment in the coming weeks. It is during these talks that a decision on further steps, from tightening sanctions to possible limited strikes on Iranian facilities, could be made. In parallel, work on a nuclear deal will continue, although the chances of success by mid-August look increasingly unlikely.

American intelligence agencies will continue to monitor Iranian networks more closely, and law enforcement agencies will continue to check all suspicious individuals on U.S. soil. Trump, for his part, has already stated that the “cancer” of the Iranian threat must be “cut out at an early stage,” indicating his readiness for tough measures.

The situation remains dynamic, and any new information could radically change the balance of power in the region. For now, the main task for Washington is to prevent an escalation that could escalate into a full-scale conflict, while at the same time protecting key officials from possible assassination attempts.

Sources

1. CNN, "Israel shared intelligence with US of Iranian plot to assassinate Trump, sources say," July 9, 2026.
2. Wall Street Journal, report on Israeli warning, July 9, 2026.
3. Official White House comments on Trump's statements about Iranian threats, July 8–9, 2026.