Trump Approves Plans for Potential Iran Attack, Decision Pending

Trump has given the green light for potential strikes against Iran but has yet to finalize his decision, as tension escalates amidst conflicting public statements and military movements.

Donald Trump has reportedly given military approval for plans targeting Iran, though he has not yet made a definitive decision on whether to initiate these strikes, according to CBS news outlets. The president's current stance involves holding off on immediate action to explore the possibility of Iran relinquishing its nuclear ambitions. Trump is contemplating targeting Fordo, an underground uranium enrichment facility in Iran.

In a recorded address, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed Trump's call for unconditional surrender, emphasizing that Iran would not bow to American pressure, stating, "The Iranian nation will not surrender." Trump responded to this rejection casually, saying "good luck," but remained vague about his plans, preserving an air of uncertainty by stating, "Nobody knows what I'm going to do."

The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on Trump's approval of potential strikes. Concurrently, Israel's military has conducted further assaults on Iranian missile sites and nuclear infrastructure, prompting Iran to claim it has launched hypersonic missiles in retaliation; however, no significant damage in Israel has been recorded.

Khamenei's speech marked his first public statement since Israel's pre-emptive military actions commenced. In response to Trump's demands, Iran's UN mission sarcastically responded on social media, asserting they would not negotiate under duress.

As conflict escalates, Iranian civilians are reportedly scrambling for safety amid airstrikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "We control the skies over Tehran,” insisting that military operations are intensifying against Iranian threats. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the Pentagon's readiness to execute Trump's orders, coinciding with increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East.

Notably, U.S. aircraft carriers, including the USS Nimitz, are positioned in the region while air assets are being mobilized. The U.S. State Department announced an upcoming meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to discuss Iran and the evolving situation. While no formal request has been made to the UK to facilitate U.S. operations from military bases, the potential for escalation remains prominent.

Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem has initiated an evacuation strategy for American citizens amid the ongoing violence, which has reportedly resulted in numerous casualties on both sides since last week's events. Iran has experienced a severe backlash following Israeli strikes, with estimates of 585 fatalities, including civilians, according to activists in Washington, while Israeli reports indicate 24 civilian deaths resulting from Iranian missile strikes. Amidst these tensions, Iranian state media warned citizens against misinformation and calls to revolt, attributed to hacking incidents disrupting broadcasts.