Israel has reportedly shared intelligence with the United States, alleging that Iran is considering a plan to assassinate President Donald Trump. This information comes from sources with knowledge of the situation, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
The warning surfaced amidst escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. The ceasefire agreement, which was signed in June, was declared "over" by Trump on Wednesday, July 8, following Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a source cited by CNN, the Israeli warning was specific and distinct from the "constant drumbeat of intelligence" the U.S. had been receiving about potential threats to the president in recent weeks.
However, two sources from Israel's Channel 12 clarified that the intelligence pertained to general discussions among Iranian officials about the possibility of targeting Trump, rather than a concrete, ongoing plot.
The U.S. had not independently verified the Israeli intelligence nor was it tracking it before receiving the warning, as noted by two CNN sources.
Diplomatic Strategy or Genuine Threat?
Several U.S. officials have suggested that the Israeli report might be partly aimed at influencing Trump's decision-making process regarding Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed significant skepticism about Washington's diplomatic efforts with Tehran and has clashed with Trump over Israeli military actions in Lebanon, which have complicated peace negotiations.
A source within the intelligence community told CNN that some analysts are always wary of Israeli reports, viewing them as part of Israel's broader strategy to shape Trump's policy towards Iran.
Netanyahu spoke with Trump over the phone on Thursday and is expected to visit Washington soon.
Trump's Reaction to Iranian Threats
When asked about the Israeli warning, the White House referred reporters to Trump's Wednesday comments to the press.
"They want to kill the leader of the United States, which is me," Trump stated. "I'm on every list. I saw this morning that I'm on each of their lists. And so far, I guess I've been a bit lucky, but maybe not for long. They're evil and sick people. This cancer needs to be rooted out," he added.
Trump also mentioned a new list naming him as Iran's main target, although it wasn't clear if he was referencing the intelligence shared by Israel specifically.
Ongoing Conflict and Open Threats at Funerals
The conflict between the U.S. and Iran erupted on February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in what was dubbed "Operation Epic Fury."
During Khamenei's funerals held Thursday in Mashhad, Iranian crowds chanted for Trump's death, and banners reading "We will kill Trump" were visible.
On Thursday, the U.S. bombed over 80 Iranian military targets in retaliation for Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, confirmed by the Central Command (CENTCOM).
For years, Iran has vowed to avenge the death of General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed by a U.S. drone strike in January 2020 on Trump's orders.
In November 2024, the Department of Justice foiled an Iranian plot to assassinate Trump before the presidential elections, charging three individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Diplomacy Amidst Rising Tensions
Despite the escalation, a senior U.S. official indicated that Washington has not ruled out a negotiated resolution: "The United States remains committed to finding a resolution, and technical talks continue."
The same official was adamant about the Iranian attacks: "Iran's attacks on those innocent vessels are acts of terrorism. The memorandum of understanding is based on compliance, and Iran's actions constitute an unacceptable breach."
Washington and Tehran are working towards a nuclear agreement by mid-August, although the current situation on the ground makes that possibility increasingly tenuous.
Understanding the Tensions Between the U.S. and Iran
What sparked the recent conflict between the U.S. and Iran?
The recent conflict between the U.S. and Iran intensified after U.S. and Israeli forces killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28, 2026.
How has Iran responded to the death of General Qasem Soleimani?
Iran has vowed to avenge the death of General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed by a U.S. drone strike in January 2020, and has been involved in retaliatory actions and threats since then.