President Trump left the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, earlier this month aboard the older Air Force One jet rather than the newer $400 million Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar. U.S. officials informed CBS News that this decision followed detection of a credible plot by Iran and allied proxy groups to fire a missile at the president's plane.

Trump initially flew to Ankara on the newly donated Air Force One, which the U.S. had spent months retrofitting to carry the president. However, he switched to the older plane for his flight from Ankara to the United Kingdom, before returning to the newer plane for the final leg back to the United States. This swap raised questions about the security of the new aircraft.

CBS News reported that the use of the older plane was recommended by the Secret Service as a precaution amid escalating tensions and conflict with Iran. The older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion tactics to misdirect threats.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "The new Air Force One is perfectly safe for the President's travels, but will receive additional upgrades and enhancements in the fall which will take approximately one month to complete. During that time, the President will fly on the old Air Force One."

The initial report of threats from Iranian proxies was first published by The New York Times. As tensions with Iran increase, President Trump has acknowledged potential threats to his safety, noting on Truth Social earlier this month that 1,000 missiles were "for immediate use if Iran attempts to assassinate him."

Sources