President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard an older Air Force One jet instead of the newer plane donated by Qatar, due to a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups, U.S. officials told CBS News.

The U.S. detected a credible plot to fire a missile at the president's plane, prompting the Secret Service to suggest the use of the older aircraft as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Trump initially flew to Ankara on the newer $400 million Boeing 747-8, gifted by Qatar and retrofitted for presidential use, but switched to the older plane for his flight from Turkey to the United Kingdom before returning to the U.S. on the newer jet.

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

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."

As tensions with Iran escalate, President Trump has acknowledged possible threats to his safety, including reports of 1,000 missiles, underscoring the heightened security measures.

Sources