Fearing a prolonged war, US media reports: Trump approved plans to strike Iran but did not order their implementation

The newspaper, citing unnamed informed sources, said that Trump is waiting to see whether Iran will agree to abandon its nuclear program. It added that Iran's Fordow uranium enrichment facility, fortified beneath a mountain, is a potential target, but striking it would require the use of the most powerful weapons in the US arsenal.

In this context, Axios quoted US officials as saying, "Trump wants to ensure that the attack is truly necessary, will not drag his country into a protracted war, and will actually achieve the goal of destroying Iran's nuclear program."

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump told reporters he had not yet decided whether to authorize US forces to participate in Israel's campaign against Iran, adding, "I may, I may not."

"I don't want war, I don't seek a fight, but if the choice is between fighting and them having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what's necessary. And maybe we don't have to fight," he added from the Oval Office. "I have ideas about what to do, and I like to make the final decision a moment in advance."

Trump said the next week would be "very important" as he continued to consider his decision, warning that it might not take long.

For his part, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei earlier on Wednesday rejected Trump's demand for the Iranian government's unconditional surrender, warning that any direct US intervention in the conflict with Israel would have "irreversible consequences."

"The Zionist regime has committed a grave mistake and will pay the price," Khamenei said in a televised address, adding that Iran "will not forgive the violation of its airspace or the blood of its martyrs."

On the Israeli side, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked the US president on Wednesday for his "support in defending Israel's airspace." Netanyahu said in a televised statement, "I would like to thank President Trump, a great friend of Israel." He continued, "I thank him for standing by us, and I thank him for the United States' support in defending Israel's airspace."

Netanyahu indicated that Israel was hitting Iran with "great force," while acknowledging that it had suffered "painful losses" in the war. "We are hitting the Ayatollah's regime with great force," he said. "We are hitting their nuclear program, their missiles, their military headquarters, and the symbols of their power." He added: "We are suffering many losses, painful losses. But the home front is strong, the people are strong, and the State of Israel is stronger than ever."

Since dawn on June 13, Israel, with US support, has launched an aggression against Iran, including bombing nuclear facilities and missile bases, and assassinating military leaders and nuclear scientists. This has resulted in 224 deaths and 1,277 injuries. Tehran has responded with ballistic missiles and drones, leaving approximately 24 dead and hundreds injured.

The risk of an escalation of the conflict looms, with Western and Israeli reports suggesting the United States could join Israel in its aggression against Iran. This coincides with statements by US President Donald Trump calling on Tehran to surrender unconditionally and threatening to target Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.