Trump Leaves Turkey on Old Air Force One Amid Security Warnings

President Donald Trump exited Turkey using the older presidential aircraft, Air Force One, rather than the newer plane donated by Qatar, acting on a security recommendation from the Secret Service.

This unexpected change occurred after Trump attended the NATO summit in Ankara. The decision was taken as a precaution following U.S. military strikes on Iranian targets and escalating reciprocal threats.

Sources told The New York Times that the new Boeing 8-747 plane gifted by Qatar had not yet completed installation of all advanced missile defense systems and security features present on the older aircraft, due to a tight modification schedule.

Turkey lies within Iran's missile range, and the older presidential plane is better equipped to handle such direct threats during takeoff.

Trump publicly acknowledged the surrounding threats, telling reporters, "I am the number one target on the Iranian assassination list," although he officially explained the aircraft switch by stating he wanted to send the new plane early to Britain to showcase it to U.S. troops.

Trump boarded the older plane in Ankara for a swift and unusual departure toward Britain. Passengers were instructed to close window blinds as a security measure. The plane landed at the RAF Mildenhall airbase in Britain, which is completely outside Iranian missile range.

After securing the remainder of his route upon arrival in Britain, Trump transferred to the modified new aircraft to continue his journey back to Washington, D.C.

This development coincides with Washington announcing new strikes against Iran following attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions despite a recent memorandum of understanding aimed at halting hostilities and reopening the vital maritime corridor.