The New York Times reported Thursday evening that President Donald Trump ordered air and naval strikes against Iranian targets in response to the shooting down of a U.S. Navy drone earlier that day, but canceled them “abruptly.”
The Times reported:
President Trump approved military strikes against Iran in retaliation for downing an American surveillance drone, but pulled back from launching them on Thursday night after a day of escalating tensions.
…
The operation was underway in its early stages when it was called off, a senior administration official said. Planes were in the air and ships were in position, but no missiles had been fired when word came to stand down, the official said.
…
It was not clear whether Mr. Trump simply changed his mind on the strikes or whether the administration altered course because of logistics or strategy. It was also not clear whether the attacks might still go forward.
The Times added a curious detail: “No government officials asked The New York Times to withhold the article.”
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Trump’s critics accused him of “cold feet.” But the fact that the administration did not try to stop the story also suggests it could have been leaked deliberately. Indeed, at least one other reporter claimed he had received similar information:
.@nytimes scooping me again. I was sitting on this information for six hours. Can confirm this reporting. https://t.co/SLgwuKeAO4
— Jim LaPorta (@JimLaPorta) June 21, 2019
Rubio criticizes media for demanding comment on Guilfoyle report: ‘It’s not the gospel’
‘Demon,’ ‘Bigot,’ ‘Satan Spawn’: Duchess Meghan’s Fans Rabidly Attack Priest for Offering up $8 Version of Her $150 Advent Calendar
‘Cornell 7’ Figure Fights Back Against ‘Improper’ Appointment of Letitia James with Court Move
Ken Paxton touts ‘missing Talarico’ flyers across Texas
‘Annie Trannie Andrews’ and ‘Mohammed el Sayed’: Trump goes scorched-earth on Democrats. Will it backfire?
Nicolas Maduro and wife Cilia Flores face new charge of conspiracy to torture Americans
Dem House hopeful alleges she was brutally attacked during 2 am campaign errand
Fox News President Issues Defiant Response to Trump’s Criticism: ‘It’s What We Do’
Andrews says she doesn’t support gender surgeries for minors after previously advocating against a ban
Russia denies another plague case as WHO presses for more information
Taxpayer-funded autism giant faces scrutiny over abuse cases and billing as Trump targets healthcare fraud
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Letitia James’ underdog rival turns AG’s own playbook against her with scathing 52-count campaign ‘indictment’
Hillary Clinton issues endorsement in US midterm elections
Ithaca council halts Cornell event permits amid scrutiny over handling of rape allegations
Trump tweeted Thursday morning that “Iran made a very big mistake!”, but later suggested that the “mistake” may have simply been an accident. In the double meaning of the word “mistake,” he preserved both the threat of retaliation and the possibility of a diplomatic solution.
Regardless, Iran will know how close it was to being attacked, and still is.
Story cited here.
