President Donald Trump has approved potential military plans for a strike on Iran but has not yet made a final decision to launch an attack, according to U.S. intelligence and defense sources.
Speaking to CBS News, officials said the approved plans allow the U.S. to join Israel’s ongoing air campaign against Iran, though Trump is holding back in hopes that Tehran may still agree to end its nuclear program.
This development comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Israel initiating strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets starting last Friday. The White House has not officially commented on the strike plans.
One key target under consideration is Fordo, a heavily fortified underground uranium enrichment facility. CBS News had earlier reported that the Trump administration was considering a strike on this site. Israel, however, has not attacked Fordo yet.
On Wednesday, President Trump told reporters he was still undecided. “I like to make the final decision one second before it's due, because things change, especially with war,” he said. He added that Iran still has a chance to negotiate and end its nuclear program, which Tehran claims is for peaceful purposes only.
“I may do it. I may not do it,” Trump said, underlining the uncertainty. Iran responded firmly, stating it “does NOT negotiate under duress” and warned it would “respond to any threat with a counter-threat.”
According to U.S. intelligence, Iran has already readied missiles and other equipment to launch attacks on American military bases in the Middle East if the U.S. enters the conflict. While the Trump administration has publicly denied participating in Israeli strikes, CBS News reports the U.S. has quietly assisted in intercepting Iranian missile attacks targeting Israel.
On Truth Social, Trump has hinted at growing frustration, saying his “patience is wearing thin.” On Tuesday, he even mentioned that the U.S. knows the location of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but added, “We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”
Despite previous reports that Trump opposed an Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei, the situation remains fluid, with the possibility of U.S. military action still on the table.
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