Reports suggest Israel may need US assistance to neutralize certain Iranian nuclear facilities.
According to The Wall Street Journal, President Trump has secretly approved plans for a direct US military strike against Iran, though he has not yet authorized the action. Iran has cautioned that any US military action will result in “irreparable damage” to the United States.
Trump has recently issued direct threats to Iran, echoing Israeli assertions that the nation is pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
The WSJ reported on Wednesday that Trump hopes the possibility of the US joining Israel’s ongoing bombing campaign will compel Tehran to meet his demands for complete surrender.
Citing three sources with knowledge of the discussions, the WSJ also reported that Trump informed senior advisors on Tuesday that he had approved an attack plan against Iran but is awaiting a final decision on whether Tehran will agree to completely halt its nuclear enrichment program.
Axios reported on Wednesday, citing an anonymous official, that the US president has inquired with his advisors about the effectiveness of Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs in destroying Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, which is located deep within a mountain.
Israel lacks both the 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs and aircraft capable of delivering them. Despite this, Israeli officials have insisted they will not conclude the conflict while Fordow remains operational.
The Financial Times reported on Wednesday that six US B-2 Spirit bombers, the only aircraft currently capable of carrying the MOP, are stationed within striking distance of Iran at the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia. According to the report, Downing Street is concerned that any strikes by these bombers could involve the UK in the conflict.
The US has been increasing its military presence in the Middle East in recent days, deploying numerous tanker planes for in-flight refueling, warships equipped for air defense, and an additional aircraft carrier strike group.
Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he has “ideas on what to do” but has not made “the final decision.” Earlier in the week, the president asserted that US jets have unmatched dominance in Iranian airspace. He also stated that killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would be “easy” and demanded Tehran’s “unconditional surrender.”
Khamenei has responded that Iran “will not capitulate to anyone in the face of coercion.”
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