Trump privately approved attack plans for Iran but withheld final order, sources say

Trump privately approved attack plans for Iran but withheld final order, sources say

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump privately approved Israeli military action against Iran but withheld the final order, according to multiple sources familiar with the deliberations. This revelation comes as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, with Trump's administration facing criticism for its role in the conflict.

In the days leading up to the Israeli strikes, Trump was reportedly torn between his desire to maintain diplomatic channels and his growing concern over Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities. He initially opposed Israeli military action, favoring negotiations over bombing [1]. However, after a pivotal briefing from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, Trump became convinced of the necessity of Israel's heightened anxiety over Iran's nuclear threat.

Trump's private approval was conditional, as he remained hopeful that diplomatic efforts could still succeed. He expressed his preference for a "more friendly path" and even suggested that Iran and Israel should make a deal, echoing his past diplomatic achievements [2]. However, behind the scenes, the Israelis had already laid much of the groundwork for Trump's measured change.

The Israeli operation, which targeted military leaders and nuclear enrichment sites, was largely conducted with Israeli intelligence and capabilities. However, the United States provided significant support, including intelligence, bunker-buster bombs, and air defense systems [1]. Despite this support, Trump refused to sign off on targeting Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, due to concerns about U.S. involvement and the potential escalation of the conflict [1].

Trump's approach to the conflict was shaped by his desire to extract the United States from foreign conflicts and his past successes in diplomatic negotiations. However, the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran forced him to reassess his stance. The declaration by the United Nations' nuclear watchdog that Iran was in breach of its nonproliferation requirements further solidified Trump's concern over Iran's nuclear program [1].

The Israeli strikes, which began on June 8, have been ongoing for nearly a week, with no clear end in sight. The conflict has drawn international attention and raised concerns about the potential for further escalation. Trump's administration has faced criticism for its role in the conflict, with some accusing the United States of supporting Israeli aggression while others question the effectiveness of Trump's diplomatic efforts.

As the conflict continues, Trump has remained publicly hopeful about the possibility of a diplomatic resolution. However, his private approval of Israeli military action suggests a more nuanced approach to the conflict. The future of U.S.-Iran relations and the potential for further military action remain uncertain, as Trump continues to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

References:
[1] https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/trump-went-opposing-israels-strikes-iran-reluctant-support-rcna213091
[2] https://www.wvik.org/wvik-top-stories/2025-06-18/trump-says-nobody-knows-what-hell-do-as-iran-warns-the-u-s-not-to-strike