Trump approved Iran's strike plan but is waiting
World
US President Donald Trump has approved plans to attack Iran, but is refraining from a final command to strike, anticipating Tehran's reaction amid escalating conflict with Israel and the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.
According to a high-ranking White House aide in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Washington is leaving room for diplomatic maneuvers, believing that Tehran might back down and fulfill American demands. "I can do it, I can not do it," Trump said on Wednesday, answering a question about possible US involvement in joint actions with Israel against Iran.
The American president has repeatedly insisted on Iran's unconditional refusal to develop a nuclear program. Over the past seven days, the sides have been engaged in fierce missile exchanges, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Israelis and hundreds of Iranians.
Trump also allowed the possibility of eliminating Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, emphasizing that the US knows his whereabouts but is "not yet interested" in his elimination.
In response, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a recorded appeal, rejected US demands, stating his intention to continue strikes and conduct a large-scale "punitive operation" against Israel.
Early Thursday morning, Israeli military forces called on the population to leave the area surrounding the heavy-water nuclear reactor in Arak. The message was accompanied by satellite images showing possible targets for strikes.
According to Israeli military sources, the initial airstrike on Thursday targeted Tehran and other regions of Iran. Shortly after, Iran launched a new rocket attack on Israeli territory, where the population was ordered to take shelter.
The American president has repeatedly insisted on Iran's unconditional refusal to develop a nuclear program. Over the past seven days, the sides have been engaged in fierce missile exchanges, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Israelis and hundreds of Iranians.
Trump also allowed the possibility of eliminating Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, emphasizing that the US knows his whereabouts but is "not yet interested" in his elimination.
In response, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a recorded appeal, rejected US demands, stating his intention to continue strikes and conduct a large-scale "punitive operation" against Israel.
Early Thursday morning, Israeli military forces called on the population to leave the area surrounding the heavy-water nuclear reactor in Arak. The message was accompanied by satellite images showing possible targets for strikes.
According to Israeli military sources, the initial airstrike on Thursday targeted Tehran and other regions of Iran. Shortly after, Iran launched a new rocket attack on Israeli territory, where the population was ordered to take shelter.
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