The US military is ready to strike Iran this Saturday, February 21, but US President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision, CBS News reports, citing informed sources.
There are “dynamic and ongoing“ discussions underway: The White House is assessing “the risks of escalation and the political and military consequences of restraint“, the material says.
Over the next three days, the Pentagon will temporarily transfer some troops from the Middle East - mostly to Europe or back to the United States. This indicates preparations for military action, but does not mean it is imminent, one source noted.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt said at a White House briefing that there were “many reasons and arguments for striking Iran“, but diplomacy is always President Donald Trump's first choice.
Leavitt recalled that the US administration had conducted “a very successful operation in June targeting Iran's nuclear facilities“. "It would be very wise for Iran to make a deal with President Trump and his administration," she stressed.
Earlier, Axios, citing a Trump adviser, reported that there was a 90% chance of a direct confrontation in the coming weeks.