Trump: Decision on U.S. Airstrike on Iran to Come at the “Last Second”

Date: June 2025
By: 24HNEWSAMERICA

Introduction 

On June 19, 2025, President Donald Trump thrust the world into heightened suspense by stating he’ll decide, at the “last second,” whether to order U.S. airstrikes on Iran. With tensions flaring after Israel’s offensive against Iranian nuclear targets—and Iran’s retaliatory missile barrages—including strikes on civilian facilities like Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, global anxiety has reached a boiling point. Trump’s unpredictable posture—embracing diplomacy one minute and threatening military action the next—leaves a precarious decision looming over the U.S., its allies, and the Middle East.

In a White House briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump is weighing both military and diplomatic options: “If there's a chance for negotiations, he's not afraid to grab it,” she said—but added that the President will “make a final decision one second before it's due … because things change … especially with war” . That decision, reaffirmed repeatedly in interviews and briefings, is expected within the next two weeks .

Trump's strategy reflects the hallmarks of his administration: maximum pressure against Iran through sanctions and threats, while keeping an uncertain door open for diplomacy . The deployment of B–2 stealth bombers to Diego Garcia earlier in the year—likely carrying bunker-busters aimed at sites like Fordow—only adds operational gravity; it signals that military options are being readied even as diplomacy continues.

1. Setting the Stage: Israel’s Offensive and Iran’s Response

 

Israel initiated a daring campaign on June 13, targeting at least a dozen military and nuclear sites in Iran, including Bushehr, Natanz, Isfahan, Arak, and Khondab—some deep underground under mountains. These strikes reportedly damaged centrifuges and missile infrastructure, and killed key IRGC commanders.

In swift retaliation, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities. The assault included strikes on civilian infrastructure, culminating in a direct hit on Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, wounding dozens. . Israel condemned the attack as a “war crime” and pledged further retaliation .

With the battlefield expanding, Trump faces a pivotal decision: whether to remain a behind-the-scenes supporter, move to direct military involvement, or press diplomatic channels. The coming days will determine whether the conflict escalates or finds a path toward de-escalation.

2. Trump’s “Last‑Second” Decision Making 

• Unpredictable Timing: Trump emphasized uncertainty: “I may do it. I may not. Nobody knows what I’m going to do … I like to make a final decision one second before it's due”—a strategy he justified by citing changing wartime dynamics.

• "Next Two Weeks" Deadline: The President’s deadline looms: a decision “within the next two weeks,” according to Press Secretary Leavitt.

• Diplomacy Still on the Table: Trump remains open to negotiations. He noted Iranian diplomats might visit the White House and emphasized that if diplomacy succeeds, bombing might not be needed .

• Condition-Based Ultimatum: Trump reiterated he's “not looking for a fight—but if it’s a choice between fighting and Iran getting a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do” 

• Contingency Planning: Defense officials indicate military option planning is well underway. Trump reportedly approved attack plans late June 17, pending final confirmation. 

• Operational Readiness: Deployment of four B–2 stealth bombers to Diego Garcia in April suggests U.S. capability to strike hardened sites like Fordow is already in place. 

• Guided by “Peace Through Strength”: Trump's foreign policy doctrine remains consistent: leverage maximum pressure while embracing diplomacy, if and when achievable .

This careful footwork aligns with Trump’s historical playbook—he threatens force to gain bargaining power, yet preserves flexibility by deciding only at the final moment.

3. Risks and Stakeholder Debate

A. Iranian and Global Retaliation

• Iran’s Warning: Supreme Leader Khamenei has declared that U.S. strikes would bring “irreparable damage”—potentially including missile attacks, cyber campaigns, and disruptions of Gulf oil traffic.

• Risk of Escalation: Analysts caution any U.S. intervention risks sparking proxy escalation from Hezbollah, Houthis, and Iranian-backed militias .

B. Allied Pressure for Restraint

• Diplomatic Push: The UK, Germany, and EU officials have publicly urged Trump to prioritize diplomacy .

• Russia’s Warning: Deputy FM Ryabkov cautioned that U.S. involvement pushes the world “millimeters” from nuclear catastrophe.

C. Domestic U.S. Politics

• MAGA vs Isolationists: While MAGA hardliners may support a show of force, voices like Steve Bannon say “we can’t have another Iraq”—warning Trump against a new Middle East entanglement. 

• Congressional Limits: Some lawmakers, including anti-war voices, insist Congress must authorize any war, raising concerns over executive overreach .

D. Operational and Logistical Hurdles

• Complex Targeting: Hitting sites like Fordow requires control of airspace, advanced suppression of Iranian air defenses, and precise bunker-buster delivery—complex logistics already under military review .

• Escalation Control: Military planners must anticipate Iranian retaliation and prepare to repel potential missile or drone strikes against U.S. assets and regional allies .

4. Diplomatic Pathways and Alternatives 

Despite threats, some diplomatic avenues remain:

1. Indirect Talks Initiated: U.S. diplomat Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Abbas Araqchi have held indirect negotiations in Oman; a sixth round was scheduled for mid‑June but was put on hold following the strikes. 

2. White House Openness: Trump’s team signals willingness for Iran’s diplomatic overtures to be considered “at the last second” .

3. Allied Forum Initiatives: Germany, France, UK, and the EU are organizing Geneva forums to encourage broader engagement and de-escalation .

The U.S. Options:

• Strike Now: Eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities with bunker-buster strikes; use speed to prevent retaliation.

• Wait and Negotiate: Continue current pressure through sanctions and diplomacy; hold the military option in reserve.

• Do Nothing: Allow Israel to fully manage its own campaign while the U.S. provides support short of direct strikes.

5. Conclusion 

President Trump’s approach—keeping all options open until the last moment—delivers suspense but also danger. His "last‑second" decision strategy maximizes flexibility and political leverage, but risks dramatic escalation of a conflict that already threatens global security and economic stability.

In the days ahead, his decision will reflect a balance—or imbalance—between war readiness and diplomatic pursuit, national interest and international accountability. Whether he opts for bombs or dialogue will test not just U.S. strategy, but the endurance of norms intended to prevent miscalculation and diffuse nuclear brinkmanship.

Trump's legacy now hinges on one choice: Will America reinforce its deterrent or deepen another irreversible Middle Eastern conflict?