President Donald Trump has approved military attack plans against Iran, but it is reported that the final attack order has been postponed. President Trump stated he would decide after monitoring whether Iran stops its nuclear weapons development.
On the 18th (local time), President Trump met with reporters during an official event at the White House and stated, "I have thoughts about what to do," while also saying, "I want to delay the final decision until just before the deadline. The situation changes quickly, especially in war." He added, "I do not seek a fight, but if it comes down to a choice between fighting and possessing nuclear weapons, I will do what needs to be done."
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that President Trump had already approved the attack plans against Iran the previous day and informed his senior staff. However, he has postponed the final order, citing the need to first confirm whether Iran will abandon its nuclear development.
When asked about the possibility of the Iranian regime's collapse, President Trump replied, "Of course. Anything can happen." He also emphasized the urgency of negotiations, saying, "Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. I believe they have only a few weeks left to acquire them."
The United States offered a "fair draft" regarding nuclear negotiations with Iran, but negotiations are currently stalled. President Trump stated, "They will regret not having signed it," and noted that the door to diplomacy is still open. He indicated that a visit to the U.S. would be possible if Iran desires it.
President Trump also added that he does not make the destruction of Iran's Fordow nuclear facility a precondition for negotiations.
Meanwhile, a senior White House official stated, "The United States is currently focused on defending Israel against missile and drone attacks from Iran and is closely monitoring Israel's military operations."
The United States is reportedly deploying refueling aircraft, warships, aircraft carrier strike groups, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets to Europe and the Middle East to enhance military defense capabilities in the region.
Earlier, President Trump urged, through his social media platform Truth Social, "Iran must surrender unconditionally." In response, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, warned in a video address on the 18th, "The Iranian people will not surrender," stating that "U.S. military intervention will cause irreversible damage."