President Trump left the NATO summit held in Turkey earlier this month aboard an older Air Force One jet instead of the newer plane donated by Qatar, according to U.S. officials speaking to CBS News. The 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, Turkey, on the newly donated $400 million Boeing 747-8 Air Force One, gifted by the Qatari government and retrofitted for presidential use. However, for his departure from Ankara to the United Kingdom, he switched to the older Air Force One jet. He then resumed travel on the newer plane for the remainder of his trip back to the United States.

The swap raised questions about the security of the new Air Force One. Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that the older Air Force One planes are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion tactics to misdirect munitions.

CBS News reported that the use of the older plane was recommended by the Secret Service as a precaution amid escalating tensions and conflict between the U.S. and Iran. 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 intensify, President Trump has acknowledged potential threats to his safety, including a recent post on Truth Social referencing 1,000 missiles.

Sources