Trump Approves Iran Strike Plan—But Halts Action Over Key Doubt: Can Fordow Be Penetrated?

Trump Approves Iran Strike—But Holds Fire Over Fordow Doubts

As the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, global attention turns to whether the U.S. will intervene. On June 18, The Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump has authorized a military strike plan against Iran but held off on execution due to one critical concern: whether bunker-busting bombs can effectively destroy the deeply buried Fordow nuclear facility.

Sources close to the White House say Trump prefers to wait and see if Tehran voluntarily abandons its nuclear program. “If necessary, we’re ready to act,” Trump told his advisers, “but we hope we don’t have to.”

Fordow: The Underground Fortress

Fordow, located deep in Iran’s southern mountains, is considered nearly impenetrable except by the most powerful ordnance. While Israel has listed it as its top target, only the U.S. possesses the 30,000-pound bombs and B-2 bombers capable of executing the strike.

Trump: “We Can Do It—But I Haven’t Decided Yet”

In an interview, Trump stated: “We are the only ones who can do it. But that doesn’t mean I will.” His message is clear: keep military options on the table, but explore diplomacy first.

Axios reports Trump has been pressing Pentagon officials for hard data: Can bunker-busters guarantee success? Officials say yes, but admit such weapons have never been used in combat.

Surgical Strike—Not Nuclear War

One senior U.S. official emphasized: “We won’t use nukes. But if necessary, we’ll launch a surgical strike. We’re ready—but cautious.”

Military plans are complete, but execution awaits Trump’s final green light. The U.S. wants to avoid being dragged into another endless Middle East war.

Israel: “We’ll Do It Ourselves If Needed”

Though relying on U.S. support, Israeli officials say they are willing to act alone. “Even without B-2 bombers, we’ll find a way to breach Fordow—if we have to, we’ll do it by hand,” one said. A chilling signal of their resolve—and a plea for American action.