Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump approved attack plans against Iran on Tuesday night but has not made a final decision on whether to strike the country and formally join Israel’s air campaign against Iranian nuclear and military targets, senior intelligence sources and a Defense Department official told CBS News.
Trump delayed making a final decision on launching strikes, hoping Tehran may agree to abandon its nuclear program, according to the sources. The White House did not respond immediately to a request for comment, and the news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Strikes on Iran’s Fordo Facility
Earlier reports indicated that President Trump was considering a U.S. strike on Fordo, an underground uranium enrichment facility in Iran. Israel has already begun striking various Iranian targets, but there has been no confirmed Israeli attack on Fordo since late last week.
Trump spoke to reporters on Wednesday, stating he had not yet made a final decision on whether to strike Iran. “I like to make the final decision one second before it’s due, because things change, especially with war,” Trump said, adding, “I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do.”
U.S. and Israel’s Military Involvement
Despite Israel’s ongoing attacks on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, the Trump administration has publicly stated it is not directly involved in the air campaign. However, CBS News previously reported that the U.S. has helped Israel intercept Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes.
President Trump has indicated that he might join Israel’s campaign, stating on Truth Social that his “patience is wearing thin.” This comes as Iran has made preparations to strike U.S. military bases in the Middle East if the U.S. decides to fully back Israel in its offensive.
Iran’s Response to U.S. Threats
Iran, which has long claimed its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, responded sharply on Wednesday, saying it “does NOT negotiate under duress” and would “respond to any threat with a counter-threat.”
In addition, President Trump shared on Truth Social that the U.S. knows the location of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though he assured that Khamenei “is an easy target” but would not be targeted for now. This statement follows news that President Trump opposed an Israeli plan to eliminate Khamenei.
Tensions Continue to Rise
As tensions continue to escalate, the situation remains fluid, with President Trump emphasizing the unpredictability of his decision-making in the face of ongoing threats.
Whether or not the U.S. will enter the conflict on Israel’s side remains uncertain, and the situation is being closely monitored by global leaders and intelligence agencies alike.