Trump Overlooked Intelligence Warnings Before Launching Iran War, Leaked Report Shows

A February Oval Office discussion, disclosed in a recent leak, shows Donald Trump asking whether an all-out assault on Iran could succeed in destroying its nuclear capabilities and forcing regime change. During the session, the director of national intelligence warned that a Middle East conflict would likely see Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz, trigger worldwide oil and energy turmoil, and that killing the supreme leader could result in a successor more determined to acquire nuclear weapons.

Senior military officials also warned that a war would cause U.S. deaths and sharply reduce the nation’s munition reserves. Trump nevertheless authorized the Feb. 28 attack alongside Israel, and the predicted disruptions, including the closure of the Strait and rising gas prices, have occurred. The conflict has persisted for nearly six months, far longer than the president anticipated, and has drawn criticism from Gulf states and Republican lawmakers. The White House maintains the campaign is damaging Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure while threatening further economic pressure.