President Trump discussed with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine the possibility of returning to full-scale strikes on Iran, the Wall Street Journal reports citing U.S. officials.
The Wall Street Journal reports that President Trump has reviewed the option of returning to large-scale military strikes on Iran, in discussions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, citing unnamed U.S. officials. The report, published at 03:36 Jerusalem today, marks the latest development in a story The Zioneer has been tracking since the early hours of Wednesday morning.
At 02:55 Jerusalem today, The Zioneer's initial dispatch cited the same WSJ report stating Trump had considered resuming full-scale strikes but chose diplomacy for now. By 03:01 Jerusalem, a further bulletin added that Trump told aides another full-scale round could hurt chances of dismantling Iran's nuclear program. The current update indicates the option remains under active review, with no final decision having been announced.
Earlier coverage by The Zioneer provides background: on June 10 at 06:19 Jerusalem, WSJ reported Trump initially opposed the Iran strike that later occurred, but was swayed by Hegseth and Caine. On the same day at 23:50 Jerusalem, Hegseth vowed 'powerful and clear' strikes. A June 14 report cited U.S. sources saying Trump considers firing senior officials who opposed the Iran deal, sparing Rubio. On June 16 at 13:55 Jerusalem, Israeli media reported Hegseth appeared uncomfortable during a TV interview, his body language suggesting opposition to Trump's emerging Iran deal.
It remains unclear whether the review of large-scale strikes represents a serious policy shift or contingency planning. The administration has not announced a decision, and the status of diplomatic talks with Iran is uncertain.
4 developments
- ConfirmedTrump discussed a short but extensive military operation in Iran, the White House weighs short-duration campaign
- DevelopingTrump tells NYT he will 'renew military attacks' on Iran if nuclear talks falter
- DevelopingWSJ: Trump initially opposed Iran strike, was swayed by defense chiefs after helicopter downing
- DevelopingHegseth says US will keep large forces in region, reinstate Iran siege if commitments unmet
Source and signal
- Internal intake