Trump Approves Military Plans Against Iran but Holds Off on Final Decision
President Trump has approved military action against Iran but has not yet decided to strike. This comes amid tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. Trump has expressed a preference for not rushing into decisions while Iran maintains its commitment to its nuclear activities. Israel’s military actions against Iran are intensifying, raising concerns about U.S. involvement.
In a significant development, President Trump approved military plans targeting Iran late Tuesday night, but he has not committed to executing those plans. According to sources from both intelligence and the Defense Department, Trump’s hesitation stems from hopes that Iran might reconsider its stance on its nuclear program. This information was initially brought to light by The Wall Street Journal.
Previously on Tuesday, CBS News reported that Trump was deliberating a potential strike on Fordo, which is Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facility. So far, Israel has refrained from launching any strikes on Fordo, even as it continues its campaign against Iranian military and nuclear facilities initiated late last week.
When approached for updates, Trump communicated to reporters on Wednesday that he had yet to finalize any decisions regarding a strike on Iran. “I like to make the final decision one second before it’s due, because things change, especially with war,” he stated during the briefing. He reiterated the uncertain nature of his decision, insisting that, I may do it. I may not do it. Nobody knows what Im going to do.
On the other side, Iran firmly maintains that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes and made it clear that it refuses to negotiate under pressure. Iranian officials threatened to counter any U.S. military action with their own responses, emphasizing a readiness to retaliate against American bases in the Middle East if the United States aligns itself with Israel in the ongoing conflict.
Israel has intensified its military operations against Iranian targets, beginning a series of aerial strikes early last Friday. Publicly, the Trump administration has distanced itself from these assaults, although CBS News previously reported U.S. assistance in intercepting Iranian missile attacks.
In recent days, Trump has not dismissed the notion of joining Israel’s military efforts. Expressing his growing impatience, he took to Truth Social to articulate that his “patience is wearing thin” regarding Iran’s actions. Additionally, on Tuesday, Trump remarked that the U.S. has knowledge about the location of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, quipping that he is a target but currently secure, adding, “We are not going to take him out, at least not for now.” Previously, it was indicated that Trump had resisted any Israeli plans to eliminate Khamenei.
President Trump’s approval of military action against Iran highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding its nuclear program and the complex dynamics with Israel. With Trump’s indecision and Iran’s resolute stance, the situation remains precarious. The potential for U.S. involvement looms as Israel’s campaign continues, while both nations prepare for possible escalations. The next decisions regarding this conflict will have significant implications for regional stability.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
