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
San Antonio ends its abortion travel fund after new state law, legal action
Los Angeles wildfire recovery enters second year as frustration and uncertainty linger
Smithsonian replaces Trump portrait display, strips Jan. 6 and impeachment references from accompanying text
Trump says Greenland’s defense is ‘two dog sleds’ as he pushes for US acquisition of territory
Wild video shows federal agents detaining 2 men at Minnesota gas station as agitators gather
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Deadly avalanche claims 2 snowmobilers in Washington state backcountry, 2 rescued
Breaking: Truck Plows Through Anti-Iranian Regime Protest in Los Angeles
Trump’s motorcade route adjusted after Secret Service finds ‘suspicious object’ at Palm Beach airport
Jacob Frey tells critics ‘sorry I offended their delicate ears’ after ICE f-bomb controversy
Street takeovers and traffic control by agitators in Minnesota cross legal lines, retired detective says
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Critical clue led police to suspect Chicago doctor in deaths of Ohio dentist, wife
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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.
