The Wall Street Journal reported on the 18th, citing three informed sources, that on the evening of the 17th, U.S. President Trump informed his senior aides that he had approved a plan for U.S. military strikes on Iran but has not yet issued final orders, preferring to observe whether Iran will abandon its nuclear program.
The report stated that Trump hopes to use the threat of joining Israel's military actions against Iran to pressure Iran into giving up its nuclear program.
Additionally, on the 18th, Trump commented during the new flagpole inauguration ceremony at the White House on whether to strike Iran, saying to the media: “I might do it, I might not. Nobody knows what I’m going to do.”
He indicated that Iran had proposed talks at the White House but commented, “It’s too late for talks now.”
He emphasized that what he wants now is Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”
He stated: “Why didn’t you negotiate with me two weeks ago? You could have done very well. You could have had a country. Seeing something like this is really sad. I mean, I’ve never seen anything like this.”
He remarked: “The next week will be very big (important), maybe less than a week, possibly even sooner.”
He pointed out that Iran has no air defense capability, no air defense systems, and stated that he has issued a “final ultimatum” to Iranian authorities.
Trump also reiterated: “We’re not seeking a long-term war. I only want one thing: Iran cannot have nuclear weapons.”
When asked what he told Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu during their phone conversation on Tuesday, Trump responded: “I told Netanyahu—keep going.”
Defense Secretary refuses to confirm whether preparations are being made to strike Iran
U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth also refused to confirm whether the U.S. is prepared to strike Iran.
He stated to the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee on the 18th that if the government makes such decisions, the Department of Defense is ready to implement them.