Alleged Iranian assassination plot raises questions about norms against targeting leaders

Intelligence agencies reported in August that Iran may have been planning to fire a surface-to-air missile at President Trump's aircraft during a NATO summit in Turkey, prompting debate over the credibility of the intelligence and the norms governing assassination attempts against world leaders.

By Sama News Agency
September 6, 2026
A coffin draped in the Iranian flag is carried on a platform surrounded by crowds of mourners and military personnel wearing brown uniforms.
A military funeral procession in Iran. The image appears to be from a state ceremony rather than connected to the assassination plot mentioned in the headline. (Asia Times)
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An alleged Iranian plot to assassinate President Trump surfaced in mid-August when intelligence suggested Iran was planning to fire a surface-to-air missile at the President's aircraft during a NATO summit in Turkey. The alleged scheme prompted debate centered largely on the credibility of the intelligence underlying the claim.

The disclosure raised broader questions about international norms against assassination attempts targeting world leaders and whether such established conventions were eroding.

Alleged Iranian assassination plot raises questions about norms against targeting leaders | Sama News Agency