President Trump is reportedly weighing military strikes on Iran but, as of June 18, has not made a final decision, according to the Wall Street Journal. During a recent Situation Room briefing, Trump reportedly reviewed multiple courses of action, ranging from targeted strikes on nuclear leadership sites to continued diplomatic pressure, but has yet to commit to any specific military plan .
The Journal notes that Trump’s stance has shifted sharply from earlier statements calling for unconditional surrender from Iran to a more cautious approach that emphasizes diplomacy as the preferred route. Advisors emphasized that while military readiness remains high — with U.S. forces and bombers deployed to the region — the president is still considering whether a diplomatic resolution is viable.
A senior White House official told WSJ that the administration’s primary goal remains preventing Iran from achieving nuclear weapons capability. However, Mr. Trump has requested a detailed assessment of military options, including plans to target Iran’s deeply buried enrichment facility at Fordow, national nuclear command structures, and senior leaders.
U.S. military assets—including a carrier strike group and strategic bombers—have been positioned in the Eastern Mediterranean and Arabian Sea. Nevertheless, Pentagon officials reiterated that American forces remain in a defensive rather than offensive posture unless ordered otherwise.
The Journal also reports internal disagreements among Trump’s team. While some advisors insist on the necessity of decisive action to deter Iran, others caution that setting a firm threshold for military response could box in U.S. strategy and escalate the conflict. Some hawkish voices argue that without credible threats, diplomatic efforts may fall flat.
As Iran probes diplomatic overtures—reportedly via Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia—Trump has indicated openness to renewed negotiations, though conditioned on an Iranian halt to uranium enrichment. However, the administration appears to see military readiness as essential to keep diplomatic options on the table.
