WSJ: Trump Privately Approves Iran Strike Plans But Holds Final Order
U.S. forces mobilize as regional tensions escalate; Iran vows no surrender.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – U.S. President Donald Trump has privately approved military strike plans targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure but has withheld issuing a final order, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Wednesday. The development comes amid intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel, as both nations continue to exchange fire in what has become the region’s most volatile standoff in years.
According to WSJ, Trump informed senior aides on Tuesday night that he supports executing military options against Iran, though he is awaiting signs that Tehran might reverse course on its nuclear ambitions. The report cites individuals familiar with internal deliberations.
One of the most likely targets of a potential U.S. strike is Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow nuclear enrichment facility, which is buried deep beneath a mountain and is considered nearly impervious to conventional weapons. “I may do it, I may not do it,” Trump said when asked if he had made a final decision on attacking Iran. He added, “The next week is going to be very big, maybe less than a week.”
Military Posturing and Strategic Pressure
As reported by WSJ, the United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East in recent days. A third U.S. Navy destroyer has entered the eastern Mediterranean, and a second aircraft carrier strike group is en route to the Arabian Sea. The Pentagon maintains that the deployments are defensive, but analysts suggest they also enhance U.S. capability to join Israeli strikes if a decision is made.
Military experts cited by the Journal believe the build-up may serve as both a preparatory step for military engagement and as strategic pressure on Tehran to de-escalate or agree to terms. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, however, has publicly rejected any capitulation. He warned that a U.S. intervention would bring “irreparable consequences,” reinforcing Iran’s posture of defiance.
Rising Death Toll, Continued Hostilities
The WSJ report noted that Iranian casualties have surpassed 450, according to a human-rights monitoring group, amid ongoing Israeli strikes. Meanwhile, Iranian missile attacks have claimed the lives of 24 people in Israel.
Israel’s military operations have intensified. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country is proceeding “step by step” in dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. According to Israeli military sources cited by the Journal, recent operations have destroyed eight Iranian attack helicopters and 40 pieces of missile infrastructure in western Iran.
U.S. Domestic Reactions and Evacuations
Domestically, Republican Senator Ted Cruz has supported a possible U.S. strike utilizing bunker-buster munitions, while ruling out the deployment of American ground forces. Cruz has recently clashed with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson over the appropriate U.S. role in the conflict.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Israel is coordinating evacuation flights for American citizens, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed to WSJ.
As tensions continue to mount and diplomatic channels remain limited, President Trump’s decision-making in the coming days may prove pivotal in shaping the next phase of the Middle East crisis.
