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.”
Ax-wielding suspect subdued by teen military recruit’s MMA takedown in car wash clash caught on video
‘Unprecedented’ agreement releases emergency oil reserves as gas prices spark concerns
House Oversight Committee demands depositions from Bondi and Lutnick in Epstein probe
Dem lawmaker disputes police bodycam amid reports he said he was above the law: ‘On top’ or ‘on time’
Bipartisan housing push advances, but Trump-backed investor ban faces resistance
Trump administration puts key Biden-era immigration policy on notice: ‘Unsustainable cycle’
The ‘Worst Mayor in America’ Is Attempting a Political Comeback — With a New Party
Kamala Harris Cancels Multiple Book Tour Stops Amid Controversy
Unusual Calls Made from NYC Terror Suspect’s Home Hours After Arrest Raise Questions: Report
Uh-Oh: Video Captures Schumer Finally Admitting It – He Hates the SAVE America Act Because It Cleans Voter Rolls in Every State
Hillary Clinton caught on video stepping back after pushy former president nudges her at busy NYC intersection
Shipping disruptions spread beyond oil: Helium, sulfur, and semiconductors
3 brothers of Iraqi descent arrested in Oslo for allegedly ‘terror bombing’ of US Embassy
Republican Sen. John Cornyn Calls on GOP to Change Filibuster and Pass SAVE Act as He Prepares for Primary Runoff Against Ken Paxton
Minnesota human services officials skip fraud hearing as Walz promises reform
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
Ax-wielding suspect subdued by teen military recruit’s MMA takedown in car wash clash caught on video
‘Unprecedented’ agreement releases emergency oil reserves as gas prices spark concerns
House Oversight Committee demands depositions from Bondi and Lutnick in Epstein probe
Dem lawmaker disputes police bodycam amid reports he said he was above the law: ‘On top’ or ‘on time’
Bipartisan housing push advances, but Trump-backed investor ban faces resistance
Trump administration puts key Biden-era immigration policy on notice: ‘Unsustainable cycle’
The ‘Worst Mayor in America’ Is Attempting a Political Comeback — With a New Party
Kamala Harris Cancels Multiple Book Tour Stops Amid Controversy
Unusual Calls Made from NYC Terror Suspect’s Home Hours After Arrest Raise Questions: Report
Uh-Oh: Video Captures Schumer Finally Admitting It – He Hates the SAVE America Act Because It Cleans Voter Rolls in Every State
Hillary Clinton caught on video stepping back after pushy former president nudges her at busy NYC intersection
Shipping disruptions spread beyond oil: Helium, sulfur, and semiconductors
3 brothers of Iraqi descent arrested in Oslo for allegedly ‘terror bombing’ of US Embassy
Republican Sen. John Cornyn Calls on GOP to Change Filibuster and Pass SAVE Act as He Prepares for Primary Runoff Against Ken Paxton
Minnesota human services officials skip fraud hearing as Walz promises reform
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.
