Trump approved Military Strikes against Iran but not yet launched

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The U.S President Donald Trump has approved military strikes against Iran, but not yet decided to launch. He said that he believed Iran had made a big mistake when it shot down a U.S drone early on Thursday in the Strait of Hormuz. Some reports have indicated the president then approved retaliatory military strikes against Tehran. The New York Times said the operation to hit targets such as radars and missile batteries was in its initial stages. The planes were in the air and ships had been moved into position. But, the president then decided not to go ahead with the operation before any missiles were fired. The report said it was still unclear that Trump had changed his mind on whether the strike was called off for operational or strategic reasons. Trump’s tone appeared in contrast to a number of members of his administration, among them secretary of state Mike Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton.

They have adopted a hard-line stance towards Iran, since the president pulled the U.S out of the Iran Nuclear Deal last year. Both blamed Tehran of being behind attacks on tankers in the Gulf, but Iran has denied. An Iranian Revolutionary Guards statement has indicated the drone’s identification transponder had been switched off. The Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that it was considered a violation of aviation rules and it was moving in full secrecy when it was downed. Trump met with congressional leaders to discuss the escalating feud with Iran on Thursday. The United States has imposed debilitating sanctions and reportedly launched a disinformation war. Senior Democrats warned that Trump would require authorization from Congress before launching military action. House speaker Nancy Pelosi said the administration should engage with its allies and do everything in our power to de-escalate. Moreover, several Republican leaders, including Kevin McCarthy said there must be a measured response to Iran’s actions.