Iranian state media has mocked US President Donald Trump following reports that he was secretly moved from Air Force One to a smaller government aircraft during his visit to Turkey last month after US authorities received an alleged threat involving a shoulder-fired missile.

The reported security operation has been portrayed by Iranian media as evidence of Tehran's military reach and has become the latest point of tension between Washington and Tehran amid the ongoing conflict.

Trump Aircraft Switch Reported

According to US media reports, Trump and a small group of aides were secretly transferred from the presidential aircraft to a smaller C-32A government jet while preparing to leave Ankara on July 8.

The transfer was reportedly carried out using a catering truck in an effort to conceal the president's movements.

Air Force One later departed separately, carrying senior administration officials, White House staff and members of the travelling press corps.

The unusual arrangement was first reported by The Washington Post and subsequently drew attention in Iranian media.

Security Threat Behind Move

The reported aircraft switch followed what US authorities considered a credible and imminent threat that Trump's presidential aircraft could be targeted by a shoulder-fired missile.

According to reports, the US Secret Service launched the operation to protect the president and prevent potential attackers from determining his movements as he left Turkey.

The New York Times reported that US officials were particularly concerned after allegedly learning that Iranian operatives knew where Trump was staying in Ankara, including the floor of his hotel.

Neither the White House nor Tehran had officially commented on the reported threat or the aircraft switch at the time of the reports.

Iranian State Media Mocks Trump

Iranian state television seized on the episode to ridicule the US president.

A presenter described the incident as a source of embarrassment for Trump and suggested that the security measures demonstrated the extent of concern over Iran's military capabilities.

The episode has provided Iranian hardliners with an opportunity to portray Trump as vulnerable despite Washington's continued military pressure on Tehran.

Iran's embassy in South Africa also joined the criticism on X, posting a meme depicting Trump inside a catering box.

The post mocked the reported use of a catering truck during the aircraft transfer and suggested that Trump could eventually be hidden in a trash container.

Tensions Between Washington and Tehran

The incident comes against the backdrop of continued confrontation between the US and Iran.

Washington and Tehran remain involved in efforts to find a lasting settlement to the conflict, while attempts to revive an interim agreement reached earlier have reportedly made little progress.

The latest reports have also revived attention around previous allegations of Iranian plots against Trump.

In 2024, the US Justice Department charged an Iranian national over an alleged plot to assassinate Trump, who was then president-elect. US authorities said the alleged operation had been ordered by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Iran rejected the allegations at the time.

Iranian Hardliners Welcome Reports

Analysts said the reported security measures were likely to be welcomed by Iranian hardliners who have repeatedly called for retaliation following the deaths of senior Iranian political and military figures.

Ali Vaez, deputy programme director for the Middle East and North Africa at the International Crisis Group, said Iranian hardliners were likely to view the episode as evidence that Washington was concerned about Trump's safety.

The incident has therefore taken on significance beyond the aircraft transfer itself, becoming part of the wider information and propaganda battle between the two countries.

Trump’s Earlier Iraq Experience

Iranian commentators have also linked the latest episode to Trump's previous visit to Iraq in 2018.

During that trip to the Ain al-Asad air base, Trump travelled under extensive security precautions. He later described the flight as unusually secretive, recalling that the aircraft's windows were covered and the cabin was kept dark.

Iranian commentators have used those remarks to draw parallels between Trump's earlier security arrangements and the reported aircraft switch in Turkey.

For now, the reported threat and aircraft operation remain the subject of media reports, with no detailed public confirmation from the White House or Iranian authorities.