Intelligence reports indicated that Iran was planning to use its ballistic missiles either preemptively or simultaneously with any US action; this convinced Donald Trump to authorise the joint action with Israel on Saturday, reports said. In light of Iran's willingness to strike simultaneously, it was considered better to hit them when they least expected it—and it worked.
Trump was not willing to take any chances with a preemptive strike from Tehran, as it would risk the lives of US service personnel across the Middle East. The POTUS was not willing to let his forces await barrages of ballistic missiles arriving at their positions—pinning their hopes on air defence systems to save them—and decided to act, The Times of Israel quoted a senior US official as revealing on condition of anonymity.
Thus, Operation Epic Fury was launched as a defensive step to ensure Iran was not capable of a preemptive strike of any degree against US forces. The operation "hit the snake in the head," taking out Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
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Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and IRGC Ground Forces Commander Mohammad Pakpour were killed alongside many other high-ranking officials. The decision has undoubtedly helped to reduce the potential loss of life and damage suffered on the US side, The Times of Israel quoted the official as saying.
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He added that had Trump not given the go-ahead, the alternative was to remain "hostage" to Iran and risk lives in allied nations as a potential strike loomed.
The strikes opened a stunning new chapter in US intervention in Iran, marking the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has attacked the country during talks over its nuclear programme. The killing of Khamenei after decades in power appeared certain to create a significant leadership vacuum, given the absence of a known successor and because the Supreme Leader had the final say on all major policies.
On Sunday, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened to launch its "most intense offensive operation" ever, targeting Israel and US bases.
