President Donald Trump secretly switched aircraft while leaving Turkey last month after U.S. officials learned of a potential threat involving a shoulder-fired missile.
According to the New York Post, Trump departed Ankara on a smaller military aircraft rather than the Air Force One jet that had been expected to carry him home.
The switch was made after security officials became concerned that Iranian operatives could target the presidential aircraft.
The New York Times reported that an unidentified person was spotted with a shoulder-fired missile near the NATO summit in Ankara. U.S. intelligence also determined that Iran had obtained information about the hotel floor where Trump was staying.
CNN and other outlets separately reported that the missile threat prompted the unusual change in Trump's travel plans.
Trump addressed the covert flight switch Tuesday evening, saying he followed instructions from the Secret Service and military officials.
"I go by Secret Service and the military. They wanted me to go in a different flight, a different plane for safety. They wanted me to do it, so I did it. I did what they said," Trump told reporters.
The Washington Post first reported that Trump had used the smaller military aircraft to leave Turkey on July 8.
The move came after Trump had been photographed boarding Air Force One, leaving reporters and several senior administration officials unaware that plans had changed.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Communications Director Steven Cheung remained aboard Air Force One. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino traveled with Trump on the alternate aircraft.
Earlier that day, Trump said the newer Air Force One aircraft donated by Qatar would leave Ankara ahead of his departure so U.S. troops stationed in the United Kingdom could tour the plane.
The explanation initially led to speculation that Trump had chosen the older aircraft because it was equipped with more advanced anti-missile technology.
The reported intelligence about a possible shoulder-fired missile threat provided another explanation for the unusual security operation.
Trump had spent part of the day discussing threats from Tehran, while banners calling for his death appeared in Iran.
The tactic also has precedent. Then-President Bill Clinton secretly traveled to Pakistan aboard a different aircraft in 2000 amid security concerns, although some reporters had been notified beforehand.
The details surrounding Trump's departure from Turkey highlight the security measures for presidential travel and the threats officials consider when determining how the president moves through potentially dangerous areas.