Trump's Unexpected Timing in Ordering Strikes on Iran
While the US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities were anticipated, the speed with which they unfolded caught many by surprise. Initially, President Donald Trump sought a two-week period to decide on military involvement, signaling restraint amid growing tensions. However, less than 48 hours later, B-2 bombers struck three key sites in Iran, signaling a swift turn in US policy.
The Targets and Background of the Strikes
On the morning following the bomber deployment, President Trump announced precision strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites—critical nodes in Iran’s controversial nuclear program. Iran’s uranium enrichment had reached nearly 60%, edging closer to weapons-grade levels, although Tehran insisted its program was intended solely for peaceful energy purposes. Israel, viewing Iran’s ambitions as an existential threat, repeatedly called on the US to take military action, and had also launched its own strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure earlier in the month.
Iran's Reaction and Retaliation
Despite Iran’s nuclear safety authorities assuring no immediate danger to local populations, Tehran responded with missile strikes targeting Israeli positions, escalating the regional conflict further.
Trump’s Shift from Diplomat to Decisive Actor
Previously known for positioning himself as a mediator on the global stage, Trump’s rhetoric shifted sharply against Iran in recent weeks. Labeling Tehran a "bully" after it walked away from nuclear negotiations, the President had earlier called for an "unconditional surrender" and warned citizens of impending conflict, signaling diminishing patience.
His ambiguous statements—such as “I may do it, I may not do it—nobody knows”—gave way to action. On June 20, Trump requested a two-week decision window on US involvement, but by June 22, military operations were underway.
Last-Minute Attempts at Diplomacy
Reports indicate that Trump made one final effort to initiate back-channel talks between senior US and Iranian officials, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. However, communication breakdowns, compounded by Iran’s Supreme Leader reportedly going into hiding amid assassination fears, stymied any progress.
The proposed diplomatic mission involved sending Vice President JD Vance and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to negotiate, but without Iranian leadership’s approval, plans unraveled.
From Peacemaker Claims to Military Action
Throughout his presidency, Trump has cast himself as a peacemaker responsible for multiple ceasefires—between India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and mediating disputes involving Egypt and Ethiopia. Yet, he expressed frustration over not receiving formal recognition, such as a Nobel Peace Prize, for his efforts.
However, when addressing Iran, Trump acknowledged the necessity of force, emphasizing that while the strikes were aimed at securing peace, failure to resolve tensions swiftly could lead to "tragedy far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days.”
The Road Ahead: Peace or Further Conflict?
Trump’s stern warning to Iran underscored the US readiness to continue targeting critical infrastructure if progress towards peace stalls. The administration’s message was clear: diplomacy remains an option, but military precision and speed stand ready if diplomacy fails.
As the Middle East braces for possible escalation, the coming days will reveal whether these strikes pave the way for negotiations or deepen the divides further. One fact remains certain: the rapidity of US action marked a significant departure from earlier hesitations, underscoring a new phase in Washington's approach to Iran.
