Israel-Iran conflict: Trump approves strike plans against Tehran but no final order yet; report claims Fordow nuclear facility is prime target
US President Donald Trump has privately approved military attack plans against Iran but has withheld issuing a final order to proceed, pending Tehran’s response regarding its nuclear programme, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Trump reportedly informed senior advisors on Wednesday that he had approved attack plans targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities but stopped short of giving a final order to launch strikes. Trump has emphasised his demand for Iran’s unconditional surrender regarding nuclear development, stating he is looking for “total and complete victory” rather than a ceasefire.
What is the attack plan?
When asked about the decision to strike, Trump said, “I may do it, I may not do it,” highlighting the fluidity of the situation and his preference to make final decisions “one second before it’s due” because “things change, especially with war”.He, however, addded: “The next week is going to be very big, maybe less than a week.”The approved plans reportedly include strikes on critical nuclear sites such as the Fordow enrichment facility, which is built deep underground and is considered difficult to destroy. Experts note that only the most powerful bombs could effectively target such fortified locations. The military buildup and the approval of attack plans indicate that the US is prepared for a significant escalation if Iran does not comply with demands to halt its nuclear program.
Tensions high as Trump mulls intervention
The development comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets.The situation intensified after Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, including locations in Tehran and the deeply fortified Fordow and Nantaz uranium enrichment facilities. Iran has long maintained its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but the international community, including the US and Israel, fears it could be used to develop nuclear weapons. The strikes have resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating over 450 dead in Iran and 24 in Israel.Trump’s administration has been closely monitoring the conflict. While publicly the US has stated it is not participating directly in Israel’s offensive, intelligence and defense sources reveal that the US has helped Israel intercept retaliatory missile strikes from Iran. The US military has also increased its presence in the region, with additional naval forces deployed to the eastern Mediterranean and Arabian Sea, a move described as defensive but also positioning the US for potential direct involvement.Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has rejected Trump’s demands and warned of “irreparable consequences” should the US proceed with military action.
