WEBDESK: Donald Trump has reportedly approved plans for a possible military strike on Iran, but no final decision has been made yet, according to CBS News, a US partner of the BBC.
A senior intelligence official reportedly told CBS that the US president decided to delay any action to give Iran a chance to step back from its nuclear programme.
One option being seriously considered is a targeted strike on Fordo, which is an underground uranium enrichment site deep inside Iran.
Tensions escalated after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dismissed Trump’s call for an “unconditional surrender”.
The Iranian leadership has shown no signs of backing down under US pressure.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticised Donald Trump in a speech released on Wednesday, warning that “any US military intervention” would come at a heavy cost. He firmly stated, “The Iranian nation will not surrender.”
“Good luck,” Trump said, brushing aside the warning. He once again refused to disclose his plans, adding, “I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do.”
“Unconditional surrender, that means I’ve had it,” he added. The exchange reflects the deepening tension, with both sides showing no signs of backing down.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said he had not yet made up his mind on how to respond. “I may do it, I may not do it,” he said when asked directly about possible military involvement in Iran.
Among the potential US targets is Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow nuclear facility, which lies deep beneath a mountain and is believed by defence analysts to be protected from anything but the most powerful bunker-busting bombs.
At the same time, the US military has been strengthening its presence in the region. A third Navy destroyer has entered the eastern Mediterranean, and another aircraft carrier group is on its way to the Arabian Sea.
While the Pentagon insists the troop movement is for defensive purposes, it also puts the US in a stronger position if Trump decides to back Israeli strikes or apply more pressure on Iran.
Clashes between Israel and Iran continue after Israel’s unprovoked attacks on Iran, with the human cost rising.
Read more: Iranian foreign minister ‘set’ to meet with UK, France, Germany counterparts in Geneva
