Fresh questions have emerged over Israel’s decision to share intelligence with the United States about an alleged Iranian plot targeting US President Donald Trump. According to a CNN report citing US officials familiar with the matter, some American officials believe the move may have been intended not only to alert Washington but also to shape the White House’s policy towards Iran.
The report said the intelligence was viewed by some officials as part of a wider Israeli effort to encourage the Trump administration to take a tougher military stance against Tehran.
US officials differ on threat assessment
Despite those concerns, both a US official and an Israeli source told CNN that the intelligence pointed to the intentions of hardline elements within Iran’s leadership rather than a fully developed assassination plan.
Also Read | Ali Khamenei buried in Mashhad 131 days after US-Israeli airstrike
The report also said Iran’s newly-appointed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Ahmad Vahidi was among those advocating action against Trump. According to CNN, Vahidi is included on a US list of Iranian “obstructionists” accused of undermining ongoing negotiations. American officials have reportedly considered military action against individuals on that list if hostilities with Iran resume.
Trump rejects intelligence report
Trump, however, dismissed reports suggesting Israel had uncovered fresh intelligence on an assassination plot.
Speaking to the New York Post, he said, “No, no. Israel came up with nothing.”
Even so, Trump maintained that Iran had viewed him as a target for years. He also repeated that he had already “left instructions” for the United States to respond with overwhelming military force if he were assassinated.
Diplomacy continues despite tensions
The controversy comes at a time when Washington and Tehran are attempting to keep diplomatic contacts alive following a ceasefire agreement.
US officials have said Washington wants Iran to publicly guarantee the safety of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after recent attacks on vessels in the region. The United States has also accused hardline factions inside Iran of trying to undermine negotiations by violating the ceasefire.
Fact. https://t.co/qMB4rV8MM5
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) July 8, 2026
Iran has rejected those claims and maintains that the Strait of Hormuz falls under its authority. Tehran has also opposed any outside role in managing security in the strategic waterway.
Also Read | ‘They may arrest me, kill me’: Sheikh Hasina reveals Bangladesh return plan, wants death on ‘own soil’
At the same time, the nuclear issue remains unresolved. Iran continues to insist that its nuclear programme is peaceful, while rejecting key US demands, including handing over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Diplomatic efforts between the two countries remain ongoing despite continued disagreements over security and regional stability.
FAQs:
What does the CNN report claim?
It says some US officials believe Israel’s intelligence may have been intended to influence Washington’s approach towards Iran.
What did Donald Trump say about the reported Israeli intelligence?
Trump dismissed the claim, saying, “No, no. Israel came up with nothing”.