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
Hasan Piker cheerleads progressives as 80-year-old senator wins six more years
Progressive push hits wall against conservative Democrat in deep-blue district
Washington homeowner hears mysterious banging, calls 911 before police find growling bobcat at top of stairs
One of Congress’ most powerful Democrats just survived a progressive primary revolt
Biden-Harris favorite gets second shot at Congress, beats Squad-backed candidate
Breaking: Intimidation Arrest Made Outside Courthouse of Lindsay Clancy Trial Setting Stage for Potential Mistrial
Tyler Robinson to face trial in Charlie Kirk assassination as judge keeps death penalty on table
Top Democrat survives double-barreled challenge as party’s Israel divide hits home
Colin Kaepernick Reemerges and Tries to Cash in on Playing the Victim
House Democrat survives left-flank challenge as Bernie volunteer mounts insurgent bid
Florida Orders Removal of Flock Cameras from All State Highways
Ed Markey survives Massachusetts Senate primary challenge from Seth Moulton
Nancy Grace Fires Back at Lindsay Clancy’s Attorney After He Calls Her Out by Name: ‘The Law Is Clear’
Trump Wants Congress to Save Hollywood from Going Bust – His Heart Might Be in The Right Place, But He’s Dead Wrong
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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.
