US Assessments: No Imminent Iranian Plot to Target Trump Despite Conflicting Israeli Intelligence
US intelligence reports indicate no imminent Iranian plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump, despite escalating threats and Israeli warnings based on assessments of Tehran leaders' desires. Israeli intelligence, shared with Washington, on potential threats to Trump points to a desire among hardline factions in Tehran to target him, yet lacks a concrete operational plan. An Israeli source noted the new Revolutionary Guard commander, Ahmed Vahidi, supports this stance, listed by the Trump administration as a negotiation obstructer. Washington explores options for these individuals if conflict escalates to full confrontation. Conversely, two informed American sources confirmed recent intelligence assessments don't indicate an imminent or specific conspiracy, but rather escalating rhetoric among some Iranian factions regarding targeting Trump. These developments unfold amidst rising tension. Scenes from the funeral of late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed in Israeli strikes last February, featured popular calls for revenge against Trump. Trump himself downplayed Israeli intelligence, stating he had long been an Iranian target and that Tel Aviv offered no new information. Sources also highlight divergent views between Washington and Tel Aviv on managing the Iranian conflict. The Trump administration reportedly sought to avoid full-scale war, preferring limited pressure tactics like tighter naval blockades. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed skepticism about Iran's sincerity in negotiations, favoring escalation to weaken the Iranian regime. US intelligence assessments suggest Israel attempts to influence the administration's direction by intensifying information sharing, despite internal intelligence reservations about these reports' motives. According to sources, no fundamental change has occurred in threats against Trump since his second term began; threats remain intentions, not progressing to executive planning. Notably, during Trump's first term, the United States detected Iranian threats against former officials, including John Bolton and Mike Pompeo, security sources confirmed.
