On February 11, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a secret presentation in the White House “Situation Room” for Trump and his inner circle, according to the newspaper.
Netanyahu is said to have claimed that Iran was “ripe for regime change” and that a US-Israeli operation could wipe out the country’s nuclear program. A video of potential new leaders was also shown, including Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s deposed shah.
"That sounds good," Trump reportedly replied, according to The New York Times, whose account is based on source interviews and material for a forthcoming book by reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan.
"Bullshit"
The following day, US intelligence agencies presented their analysis. Killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and crippling Iran's regional power was deemed possible, while the plan for regime change was called "unrealistic." CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly called Netanyahu's scenarios "farcical."
In other words, it's bullshit," commented Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The top US military commander, Dan Caine, warned that the operation risked depleting weapons stockpiles and that Iran could block the Strait of Hormuz. However, he spoke cautiously and Trump seems to have mainly embraced the parts that spoke in favor of the operation, according to the newspaper.
Among the skeptics was Vice President JD Vance, who warned during the meetings of the risk of regional chaos and unpredictable developments, while Secretary of War Pete Hegseth strongly advocated a military operation.
At the end of February, new intelligence came that accelerated the plans - the Ayatollah would have a meeting above ground. Trump gave Iran another chance for a deal, but according to advisers, he had already made up his mind.
“Gotta do it”
The last meeting was held on February 26, when Vance reportedly told Trump:
You know I think this is a bad idea, but if you want to do it, I support you.
Minister of War Hegseth, for his part, said that the US would still "need to take care of Iran, so it might as well be done now."
Finally, Trump stated: “I think we have to do it.” He added that Iran cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons or fire missiles at Israel and the region.
Aboard Air Force One the next day, Trump sent the order for the attack: “Operation Epic Fury is authorized. Must not be canceled. Good luck.”
