Trump sets off bedlam in White House briefing room with UFC chief Dana White

US President Donald Trump reportedly left Türkiye on a military aircraft during a covert security operation last month. The move was allegedly made because of an Iranian assassination threat. According to a report citing US officials and people familiar with the operation, Trump initially boarded the older Air Force One aircraft in Ankara. Television cameras were present as he departed. Minutes later, however, Trump was reportedly moved to a smaller Air Force C-32A aircraft. The transfer was allegedly carried out using an airport catering truck. The unusual operation was designed to keep Trump’s actual location hidden. The report said the information was not shared publicly. Some journalists and even members of the White House staff were also reportedly unaware of the change. Trump had travelled to Ankara for a NATO summit held on July 7 and 8. The reported security threat emerged during his visit. The operation reportedly took place shortly after US forces resumed strikes against Iran. The strikes followed the collapse of negotiations between Washington and Tehran. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the security arrangements. He said the aircraft being used as Air Force One had been equipped with advanced security measures. Cheung said the president faced threats from several enemies of the United States. He added that the administration was using all available measures to protect him. The reported security operation comes as tensions between the United States and Iran remain high. Trump has continued to leave open the possibility of stronger military action against Tehran. Oil prices rise amid escalation fears Global oil prices also climbed sharply as markets reacted to Trump’s latest comments on Iran. Brent crude rose around 5% on Monday. It reached about $87.70 per barrel, its highest level in nearly two weeks. US West Texas Intermediate crude also gained around 5.1%. It reached approximately $82.20 per barrel. The rise came after Trump said the United States still had the option of taking stronger action against Iran. Trump told reporters that Washington had the capability to pursue a major escalation if it decided to do so. His comments increased uncertainty over efforts to end the conflict. They also raised concerns about the future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has claimed that the strategic waterway is open and fully under US control. However, he acknowledged that Iran could still attempt to interfere with maritime traffic. Iran has taken a different position. Tehran has reportedly demanded that the US lift its blockade before it agrees to fully restore the waterway’s operations. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes. Large volumes of crude oil and liquefied natural gas pass through the waterway. Any prolonged disruption could therefore put further pressure on global energy prices. Oil prices were also supported by reports of attacks involving energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and a tanker operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Meanwhile, US crude reserves remained under pressure. Stocks in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell below 300 million barrels last week. The reserve was reported at around 298.7 million barrels. It was the lowest level recorded since 1983.