Iran Mocks Trump's Secret Aircraft Switch Amid Missile Threat

Iran's state media and its embassy in South Africa are mocking U.S. President Donald Trump over his secret aircraft switch during a visit to Turkey last month.

A presenter on state television called the episode a source of humiliation for Trump, stemming from fear of Iran's military power. The Iranian embassy's X account shared a meme depicting Trump inside a catering box. Tehran also rejected Trump's claim of U.S. total control over the Strait of Hormuz, with Hossein Taeb, head of Iran's Basij paramilitary unit, asserting Iran's management and control.

The secret aircraft switch was prompted by a credible and imminent threat that Air Force One could be targeted by a shoulder-fired missile, according to a person briefed on the matter. The threat emerged on the final day of Trump's visit to Ankara for the NATO summit on July 8, amid heightened tensions due to the ongoing U.S. war on Iran.

U.S. officials were alarmed to discover Iranians knew Trump's exact location in Ankara, including his hotel floor. The Secret Service deemed the threat credible, leading to an extraordinary operation to conceal the president's movements. Trump and a small group of aides used a catering truck to transfer from the larger Air Force One to a smaller, nondescript C-32A jet for the flight out of Turkey.

Air Force One departed separately, carrying senior administration officials, White House staff, and the traveling press corps, who were unaware of the switch. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were aware of the switch. Trump stated on Tuesday, August 11, that the switch was the decision of the Secret Service and the U.S. military, and he believed the plane he flew on was at greater risk.