President Trump has approved military plans targeting Iran but has yet to finalize a strike decision, potentially in collaboration with Israel. While the administration hopes for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, tensions are escalating, with Iran prepared to retaliate against U.S. bases if hostilities commence.
In a significant development, President Trump approved attack plans targeting Iran, as revealed by a senior intelligence source and a Defense Department official to CBS News. However, a final decision regarding a strike—potentially joining Israel’s air campaign—has yet to be made. The administration is holding off, reportedly hoping Tehran might agree to curtail its nuclear ambitions.
The Wall Street Journal was the first to break the news of the approved plans. Earlier Tuesday, CBS reported that the President is considering a strike on Fordo, an underground uranium enrichment facility, a crucial element in Iran’s nuclear program. As of now, Israel has not executed any known attacks on Fordo since their campaign against Iranian military targets began last week.
When addressing reporters yesterday, Mr. Trump reiterated that no final decision has been reached regarding military action. “I like to make the final decision one second before it’s due, because things change, especially with war,” he commented. He also conveyed uncertainty, stating, “I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do,” while expressing interest in encouraging Iran to pursue negotiations to abandon its nuclear efforts.
Iran, insisting its nuclear program is dedicated solely to peaceful purposes, responded by stating that it will not engage in negotiations under threat. They warned that any aggression toward them would elicit a counter-threat, signaling a potentially dangerous escalation should hostilities begin.
Furthermore, intelligence officials indicated that Iran is prepared to launch missiles at U.S. bases in the Middle East if America aligns with Israel in this renewed campaign. Despite claims that the U.S. is not participating in Israel’s current offensive, there are indications that American forces have been involved in intercepting Iranian missile attacks.
As tensions rise, Trump expressed on Truth Social that his patience is thinning regarding the situation with Iran. He also stated that the U.S. is aware of the location of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “He is an easy target, but is safe there—We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” he remarked, adding that he opposed an earlier Israeli plan to eliminate Khamenei.
In summary, while President Trump has given the go-ahead for military strategies against Iran, he maintains a cautious stance, with negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program still a possibility. The situation remains fluid, with various stakeholders closely monitoring developments and tensions escalating in anticipation of possible military action.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
