Israel Shares Intelligence With U.S. on Alleged Iranian Plot to Assassinate President

Israel shared intelligence with the United States this week indicating that Iran had devised a new plan to assassinate the sitting U.S. president, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN. One source said the Israeli warning was new and concerned a specific plot.

Another source described a steady drumbeat of U.S. intelligence in recent weeks about possible assassination plans, but noted the Israeli information added a concrete new element. Details of the reported plot remain unclear, and it is not known whether U.S. agencies had detected the same activity independently.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have increased in recent days, with both sides exchanging threats and strikes after a 60-day ceasefire collapsed. A U.S. official said diplomatic efforts are continuing behind the scenes even as military preparations were made.

Multiple officials said preparations for potential strikes were underway Thursday night but were set aside in favor of diplomacy.

Earlier Thursday, crews on the USS Abraham Lincoln loaded fighter jets with armaments and pilots conducted drills for possible strikes. The carrier’s commanding officer, Dan Keeler, told thousands of crew members that the situation was heating up. Fighter pilots continued routine defensive flights throughout the day and night while the carrier remained on station.

The White House referred reporters to the president’s recent public comments on Iranian threats. >"They want to take out the US leader — me. I’m on whatever list.