Trump Privately OKs Attack Plans on Iran, Holds Final Order Pending Iran’s Nuclear Stance

U.S. President Donald Trump privately approved military strike plans targeting Iran late Tuesday, but deliberately withheld final authorisation, signalling that he is waiting to see if Tehran will abandon its nuclear ambitions. The decision, reported by the Wall Street Journal and confirmed by Reuters, underscores Trump’s strategy of exerting maximum pressure while keeping escalation options open. 

Trump told advisers he prefers to make the final military decision “one second before it’s due.” Publicly, he remained non-committal — stating, “I may do it, I may not do it” — while warning that the upcoming week could be decisive and demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender” on its nuclear programme. 

While the U.S. continues its military role as Israel intercepts Iranian missile attacks, the Pentagon has quietly intensified its own deployment. A third destroyer is now in the eastern Mediterranean, and another carrier strike group is en route to the Arabian Sea. President Trump’s top military advisors, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine, have confirmed that planning is in advanced stages—but emphasise that no orders have yet been executed. 

One top target being considered is Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow uranium-enrichment facility, buried deep under mountainous terrain and resistant to conventional strikes. Experts say only the most powerful bunker-buster bombs could reach it — weapons the U.S. possesses — though Trump stated, “We’re the only ones that have the capability … but that doesn’t mean I’m going to do it.” 

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded defiantly on Wednesday, asserting that Iran “will not surrender” and warning of “irreparable consequences” if the U.S. launches an attack.   Meanwhile, over 450 people have been reported dead in Iran from escalating Israeli strikes, and at least 24 in Israel from Iranian retaliation. 

Diplomatically, Trump remains open to talks, stressing that a nuclear deal could still happen — “if Iran does the right thing.” However, Iranian officials have ruled out negotiations under military threat, rejecting the possibility outright. 

The looming U.S. activation of a strike plan, coupled with ongoing Israeli airstrikes, marks a perilous escalation in the Middle East crisis. As the world awaits Trump’s final command — and Iran’s next move — global risk levels remain alarmingly high