**Trump Requests Military Aircraft for Campaign Protection Amid Alleged Threats**

In a highly unusual move in U.S. election history, Donald Trump's campaign has sought the use of military aircraft to ensure the former president's safety in the final stretch of the election race. This request also includes the implementation of expanded flight restrictions over Trump’s residences and events, along with an array of military vehicles to transport him.

The extraordinary appeal stems from beliefs within Trump's circle that Iran may have been responsible for two recent attempts on his life. This belief, however, lacks evidence, as reported by The New York Times and Washington Post.

Historically, no presidential candidate has utilized military planes during their campaign. Vice President Kamala Harris, who travels on Air Force Two, is an exception due to her current role. Last month, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung conveyed that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence had warned Trump about "real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him" aimed at destabilizing the United States.

Trump has amplified these concerns, indicating on his Truth Social platform that Iran has already attempted actions that failed but might try again. Although there is no concrete evidence linking Iran to the recent assassination attempts on Trump, the FBI has not dismissed the possibility. U.S. intelligence sources suggest that Iran's leaders could be seeking retribution for the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani, a high-ranking Iranian military official killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020 during Trump’s presidency. However, they believe Iran's capability to execute such an attack within U.S. borders is limited.

The push for military protection arose after Trump’s advisers were briefed by government officials about Iran's continued plot against him. These advisers reportedly harbor growing fears about the potential threat from drones and missiles.

This development marks the latest episode in an ongoing fray between Trump’s campaign and the Secret Service, who admitted to security deficiencies during a July campaign rally where Trump suffered a minor injury from a shooting incident. In that case, the attacker, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed at the scene, while another suspect, Ryan Routh, accused of aiming a rifle at Trump through a fence at a Florida golf course, has been charged with attempted assassination and pled not guilty.

Despite these concerns, a Secret Service spokesperson affirmed that Trump is already receiving extensive protection including temporary flight restrictions when traveling and over his residence.