Trump Agreed to Attack Iran but Then Prevented It
The New York Times reported that Donald Trump agreed Thursday morning, June 30th, to attack several Iranian military centers but prevented it Thursday evening. The United States has also banned its aircraft from flying over Iran.
The New York Times writes that Donald Trump, the President of the United States, in a meeting held Thursday morning, June 30th (June 20th) with security advisors and senior congressional officials, agreed in response to the downing of his country’s drone by Iran’s air defense to retaliatory air strikes against several targets in Iran but later changed his mind.
According to this newspaper’s report, which was written based on statements from some senior U.S. officials, American bomber aircraft were in the air and on aircraft carriers ready to attack but Thursday evening an order was issued to stop this attack.
Several Iranian military centers, such as radar centers and missile defense systems, were scheduled to be attacked Thursday evening.
It is not clear in this report why this attack was halted and whether it has been postponed to a later date.
According to reports, a special meeting was held Thursday morning with Trump and congressional leaders in the White House “Situation Room” regarding Iran. Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, Schumer, the heads of the congressional intelligence and defense committees and the heads of intelligence organizations participated in this meeting, which is said to have lasted 90 minutes.
The New York Times writes that heavy discussions and conversations took place at this meeting between Trump and senior security advisors and high-ranking congressional officials.
This report is based on information from senior U.S. government officials who either participated in or were informed of this discussion.
The White House and the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) have not reacted to the report regarding plans to attack Iran in the New York Times. However, they have not made any effort to prevent the publication of this report.
Prohibition of American Aircraft Flying in Iranian Airspace
Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned U.S.-registered aircraft from flying over the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman on Thursday local time.
According to the German news agency, the administration announced that increased military movements and mounting political tensions between the two countries could endanger commercial aircraft. This order was issued to all U.S.-registered airlines.
This order was issued following increased tensions between the United States and Iran after an American drone was downed near the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. Army’s “Global Hawk” drone was shot down Thursday morning, June 30th (June 20th) by a missile fired by Iranian Revolutionary Guards forces over the Persian Gulf waters.
Officials from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) say that when the drone was targeted, it was flying over the Strait of Hormuz and had not entered Iranian airspace. However, Iran says it targeted the American drone in its airspace.
Source: DW
