Iran’s embassy in South Africa has claimed that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt resigned after falling out with US President Donald Trump, but the White House has rejected the allegation.
The Iranian embassy made the claim in a social media post while commenting on reports surrounding Leavitt’s resignation.
The embassy also shared a photograph of Leavitt and accused Trump of abandoning his officials while facing threats.
In a post, the embassy suggested that Leavitt had lost trust in Trump after he allegedly sent others into danger while protecting himself.
The statement appeared to reference reports that Trump was secretly transferred from Air Force One to a smaller military aircraft using a catering vehicle during his return from Turkey amid an alleged Iranian threat.
White House rejects Iranian claim
The White House dismissed the Iranian embassy’s claims as false.
Officials said Leavitt was not travelling with Trump during his visit to Turkey, rejecting the suggestion that she had been involved in the reported secret aircraft transfer.
Trump has confirmed Leavitt’s resignation, although the Iranian embassy’s claim that the decision was linked to a personal or political dispute between the two has not been independently established.
Iran mocks Trump over security operation
The Iranian embassy’s comments come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and reports of security threats against Trump.
US officials have said Trump was secretly moved to a C-32A military aircraft during his departure from Ankara as part of a security operation designed to protect him from a potential threat.
Journalists and some White House personnel travelling aboard the older Air Force One were reportedly unaware that Trump had been transferred to another aircraft.
The Iranian embassy appeared to refer to the reported operation when criticising Trump, using the episode to portray the US president as protecting himself while exposing others to danger.
The White House has maintained that security measures were taken to protect Trump amid threats against him.
