Trump Denies He Approved US Attack Plans Against Iran
Trump Denies He Approved US Attack Plans Against Iran
Washington, D.C. — June 19, 2025 — Former President Donald Trump has firmly denied recent reports that he gave approval for U.S. military strike plans targeting Iran, describing them as inaccurate and misleading.
On his platform Truth Social, Mr. Trump refuted an article published by the Wall Street Journal, which cited anonymous senior officials claiming he had approved an attack scenario involving the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) aimed at disabling Iran’s Fordow uranium enrichment facility. The Journal reported Mr. Trump postponed a final order to see if Iran would dismantle its nuclear infrastructure.
š Trump’s Rebuttal and Clarifications
Trump emphasized that while military officials briefed him on plans, “I have not made a final decision”, and that he was maintaining flexibility to reassess based on Iran’s forthcoming actions — suggesting timing “in the last moment” would be decisive.
š”ļø U.S. Military Posture
Despite Trump's denial, recent movements of U.S. forces into the Middle East indicate serious preparations. The Pentagon has reinforced the region with additional missile defense systems, warships, and B-2 stealth bomber deployments, signaling readiness for multiple contingencies.
š Regional and Political Reactions
Iranian officials dismissed the attack plan reports as political pressure, rejecting them outright. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised Trump's cautious stance and international allies continue diplomatic pressure to prevent escalation.
ā ļø Political Fallout
Within Trump’s political base, reactions are mixed. Influencers such as Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon have urged careful deliberation, warning against hasty interventions. Trump referenced Carlson’s apology for past remarks as part of an effort to consolidate party unity during the crisis.
š What Comes Next?
- Trump continues to hold off on issuing final orders, placing Iran’s future actions at the center of his decision.
- The Pentagon remains mobilized across the Middle East, supporting U.S. citizens and allies.
- Diplomatic backchannels remain active, though escalating regional attacks between Iran and Israel threaten broader instability.
As tensions escalate across the region, Trump’s denial adds a layer of uncertainty — signaling that while stern military options remain on the table, no definitive path forward has yet been chosen.