Trump considering strike on Iran's Fordow nuclear site, media reports say
Photo: US President Donald Trump is leaning toward Iran strike, but waiting on Tehran to abandon nuclear ambitions (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump has given preliminary approval for a potential American airstrike on Iran's uranium enrichment plant in Fordow. The White House views this as a way to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, which it could reportedly develop in a very short time frame, CBS News reports.
According to the report, Trump has been briefed on both the risks and strategic advantages of striking Fordow. He believes the facility must be disabled due to the growing threat that Iran may eventually obtain nuclear arms.
"He believes there's not much choice. Finishing the job means destroying Fordow," said one of the interlocutors to journalists.
The outlet confirmed that US President Donald Trump gave preliminary approval for a potential strike on Iran as early as the evening of June 17. However, he has not yet made a final decision. Trump is hoping that Iran will voluntarily abandon its nuclear program, making a strike on Fordow unnecessary.
Meanwhile, US intelligence has delivered reports to the White House outlining the estimated timeline for Iran's potential development of nuclear weapons. During closed-door hearings, CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that Iran is believed to be close to acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Ratcliffe's claim contradicts the official stance of the broader US intelligence community, which has informed Congress that Iran's leadership has not issued a formal directive to build a nuclear bomb. Despite this, Ratcliffe continues to insist he is right, not the other intelligence agencies.
US may strike Iran
According to multiple media reports, including Bloomberg, the United States is preparing for a potential strike on Iran in the coming days. While a plan for the attack has been approved, its execution has been temporarily delayed.
The British outlet The Guardian, citing its own sources within the US government, reports that President Trump is concerned about the effectiveness of American bombs. Specifically, he's worried about whether they can successfully destroy Iran's critical uranium enrichment facility in Fordow.
Meanwhile, a bipartisan resolution has been introduced in the US Congress. It explicitly prohibits the US President from intervening in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
