US President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that he remains under constant threat from Iran, making the remarks during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One. The comments came after members of the media were instructed to pull down the window blinds on the aircraft, prompting questions about the reason behind the move.
Responding to a reporter, Trump suggested the precaution was linked to security concerns.
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“Because you are probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleazebags we have to deal with. These (Iranians) are sick people…,” Trump said.
#WATCH | The Press onboard Air Force One with US President Donald Trump were asked to shut the blinds next to their seats.
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2026
On the matter, President Trump said, "Because you are probably on a dangerous flight… These (Iranians) are sick people… I have a threat all the time.… pic.twitter.com/UdrAh4DGfI
When asked directly whether he personally faced a threat from Iran, the US President replied, “I have a threat all the time. I’m number one on their list, before you (addressing the reporters). But if I go, you go.”
He also joked that journalists travelling with him might want to consider changing professions.
Why did Trump switch planes?
Trump’s remarks came as he travelled back after attending the NATO Summit in Turkey. According to AP, the President completed part of his return journey aboard the older baby blue Air Force One instead of the recently retrofitted Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar, which had been used for his flight to Ankara.
Bloomberg reported that the newer aircraft had been flown ahead to RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom before Trump’s departure from Turkey. The President then travelled from Ankara to the UK on the legacy Air Force One before rejoining the newer aircraft.
Explaining the switch, Trump said he chose to fly on the older plane “for old time’s sake”.
After landing, he posted on social media, “We just landed and met up with our new Air Force One, which was sent earlier to RAF Mildenhall, so we could show the wonderful Servicemembers, as per the entire Base’s request. They were very excited.”
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According to AP, the US spent $400 million to retrofit the Qatari-gifted aircraft, with the change in travel arrangements drawing renewed attention to presidential security.
Remarks come amid rising US-Iran tensions
Trump’s comments followed a sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. Speaking at the NATO Summit a day earlier, he declared that the ceasefire between the US and Iran was “over”, before authorising fresh military strikes on Iran. He also warned of “much worse” if Tehran continued attacks on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Following those developments, explosions were reported in several parts of Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Konarak and Chabahar, where some areas experienced power outages. Missile alert sirens were also activated in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar early on Thursday amid warnings of a possible Iranian attack.
FAQs:
What did Donald Trump say about Iran aboard Air Force One?
Trump said he faces a threat from Iran “all the time” and claimed he is “number 1” on its list.
Why were the Air Force One window blinds closed?
Trump suggested it was due to security concerns, saying those onboard were on a “dangerous flight.”