Trump Rejects Expanded Iran Nuclear Strikes After Limited Damage

President Donald Trump rejected a comprehensive military plan devised by U.S. Central Command to launch sustained strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, which could have significantly crippled the country's nuclear program. The plan, developed by General Erik Kurilla, involved targeting six sites over several weeks, but Trump declined it due to concerns about prolonged U.S. involvement in foreign wars and potential casualties on both sides. Instead, Trump authorized a more limited operation, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted three sites on June 22, damaging the Fordow enrichment facility severely while leaving Natanz and Isfahan less affected and able to resume operations within months. Despite Trump's public claims of a decisive victory over Iran's nuclear capabilities, intelligence assessments indicate the strikes fell short of fully dismantling the program. The mixed results have prompted discussions about the possibility of further military actions if Iran attempts to rebuild its nuclear capacity. The president's decision aligns with his America First agenda, emphasizing restraint in foreign conflicts.