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Trump Orders Strikes on Iran Nuclear Sites Amid Shifting Views
Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, Donald Trump’s decision to launch strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites came as a surprise to some. Initially, those within his inner circle who opposed U.S. intervention in the Iran conflict had a change of heart, leaning in favor of a limited, isolated operation.
Initial Opposition to Intervention
The former U.S. president faced considerable pressure from Republican non-interventionists to refrain from any action against Iran. Concerns revolved around the risk of the U.S. being drawn into a prolonged conflict aimed at toppling the Iranian government, or the limited effectiveness of strikes on nuclear facilities. Some advisors, both inside and outside the White House, attempted to dissuade him from engaging in what they viewed as a conflict initiated by Israel, suggesting continued intelligence support for Israel instead.
Shifting Arguments and Justification
However, as Trump increasingly contemplated potential strikes and communicated his disinterest in a protracted war for regime change, certain advisors adjusted their public stance. They proposed that the U.S. could execute a swift bombing raid if Israel’s options were exhausted. This evolving viewpoint provided Trump with some justification to authorize a bombing operation targeting three nuclear facilities within Iran. On Saturday, a U.S. official confirmed the completion of the strikes, the exit of B-2 bombers from Iranian airspace, and the absence of plans for subsequent attacks.
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Targets of the Airstrikes
The U.S. airstrikes focused on Iran’s uranium-enrichment sites at:
- Natanz
- Fordow: The deeply buried facility considered the most challenging to disable
- Isfahan: A third location where Iran was suspected of storing near-weapons-grade uranium
Questions Remain Amidst Iran Conflict
The extent of damage inflicted by the bombing run in hindering Iran’s nuclear weapons development remains uncertain. Questions also persist regarding whether Iran had already relocated the weapons-grade uranium from the Isfahan laboratory, as some officials speculated.
Comparing to the Suleimani Assassination
Trump appeared to equate the bombing operation with his drone strike that assassinated Gen. Qassem Suleimani of Iran. Like after the Suleimani operation, Trump posted a giant graphic of the American flag on his Truth Social account shortly after he described the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities as “very successful” in a post announcing details of the operation.
Intentions and Potential Responses
The comparison appeared to be an additional effort to underscore his intentions that he does not want a wider war with Iran and was only focused on the necessary steps to ensure Iran could not develop a nuclear weapon.
The ultimate outcome hinges largely on Iran’s interpretation of the strikes and its capacity to retaliate. A measured response might follow if Iranian leaders perceive the strikes as limited. However, if viewed as excessively disproportionate, Iran could potentially launch comprehensive attacks on numerous U.S. bases in the region, with little to lose.