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
JD Vance arrives in Switzerland to join Kushner and Witkoff for new round of Iran negotiations
Trump says much of water in Reflecting Pool likely to be drained: ‘Necessary repairs’
Pope Leo sends unmistakable message on immigrants during visit honoring America’s first saint
Former Olympian among those charged with vandalizing Reflecting Pool; Trump says basin must be drained: report
Obama Presidential Center follows widely-mocked ‘stolen land’ acknowledgment with Native American dance show
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Manhunt underway for Kansas City shooting spree suspect near World Cup venue; FBI offering $25K reward
US Park Police arrest former Olympian for vandalism of Reflecting Pool
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Explosive report unearths prominent union money trail labeled a ‘stunning betrayal’ of MAGA members
Soccer Fan Accuses Israel of Killing Palestinian Team, Pathetically Falls Apart After Learning Palestinians Slaughtered Israeli Team in 1972
Trump blames ABC reporter and vandals for peeling Reflecting Pool and algae growth
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.
