Summary
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed a potential military strike on Iran during a call on February 23. They focused on the opportunity to target Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei and his advisers, leading to a coordinated attack in Tehran. The decision followed intelligence confirmation and failed diplomatic talks with Iran.
Key Facts
- On February 23, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called President Trump with information about a meeting of Iranian leaders.
- The meeting included Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran.
- The U.S. and Israel coordinated closely in the months before the attack, including frequent communications between the leaders.
- A CIA check confirmed the intelligence provided by Israel regarding the Iranian meeting.
- President Trump decided to go ahead with a military strike after diplomatic talks with Iran failed.
- Bombs were dropped on Tehran after Trump’s final order, leading to the start of the conflict.
- There was initial consideration of an attack earlier, but operational and intelligence reasons delayed it.
- The decision to strike was described as a "deliberate decision" and a "unique opportunity" according to U.S. officials.
