New Delhi: US Vice President JD Vance on Sunday disclosed that President Donald Trump gave his final go-ahead for a strike on three key nuclear sites in Iran minutes before the attack was set to be launched. Speaking on NBC, Vance revealed that the US President authorised the strike on Iran just “minutes before the bomb was dropped”.
Vance pointed out that Trump had the power to abort the mission until the very last moment, but “he decided to proceed”.
The strike, which used ‘bunker buster’ bombs to attack three nuclear installations in Iran, was carried out early Sunday. During a press briefing, the timeline was later confirmed by the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Following intense deliberations for days, Trump took the decision amid increasing internal and external pressure. The president had earlier asked his press secretary to frame the process and present a two-week deliberation window, even as he held private discussions on Israel’s military campaign. The final nod was reportedly given to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after diplomatic efforts, led by US envoy Steve Witkoff, went in vain.
“This is a very delicate moment,” Vance underlined, and added that the White House was keeping close tabs on Iran’s next moves. Vance noted that the situation remains fluid, while pointing out that Iran’s intentions are likely to become clearer within the next 24 hours.
Speaking about possible escalation in the Gulf after the US’ strikes, Vance sounded a warning that any attempt by Iran to disrupt shipping through the key Strait of Hormuz would be “suicidal” and “destroy their own economy”.
Vance also said: “The president, more than anybody, is worried about protracted military conflicts.” “What we’re involved in is a very targeted effort to eliminate the Iranian nuclear program,” he added.
Earlier, President Trump announced that the US had carried out strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
“We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He added: “Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
