The New York Times says President Trump authorised a series of strikes targeting Iranian radar sites and missile batteries. A “senior administration official” speaking to the paper claimed the order was given to suspend the mission before any missiles were fired. The attack would have been in retaliation for Iran shooting down an American surveillance drone with a surface-to-air missile on Thursday morning.
According to the article military officials still expected the attack to go ahead as late as 7.00ET (12am BST).
The publication adds that in addition to the combat jets in the sky US warships had moved into position to prepare for the strike.
The attack would have taken place during the night, to minimise the risk of Iranian military or civilian casualties.
Any American military strike, even a limited one, would risk Iranian retaliation and regional war.
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Iran’s regional allies, such as the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, could also become embroiled in the conflict.
A $130,000 (£102,000) US military drone was shot down on Thursday, with Iran claiming it had entered Iranian airspace.
However President Trump denied this commenting: “This drone was in international waters, clearly.
“We have it all documented. It’s documented scientifically, not just words.”
Tensions in the region soared following a series of attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman.
World War 3 fears increased as Middle Eastern tensions mount
The US blamed Iran for the attacks, which it strongly denies.
Senior Democrats have called for calm, and urged President Trump to get congressional approval for any military action.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: “This is a dangerous situation.
“We are dealing with a country that is a bad actor in the region.”
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US OFFICIALS have called for a response to Iranian “aggression” following the attack on a surveillance drone on Thursday
“There must be a measured response to these actions.”
The statement from House Republicans, led by minority leader Kevin McCarthy, comes as the two countries have reached a new low over the last few weeks.
Although the US claimed that their drone was flying over international waters, Iran has insisted that it had in fact, strayed into Iranian territory.
The statement concluded saying: “President Trump and his national security team remain clear-eyed on the situation and what must be done in response to increased Iranian aggression.
Amid the escalating tensions, Washington has sent an additional 1,000 troops to the region following the “unprovoked attack”.
In response, Iran revealed earlier this week that its stockpile of low-enriched uranium would exceed limits previously agreed with other world powers in the 2015 nuclear pact.
Speaking of the recent drone strike, the Revolutionary Guard’s commander-in-chief Major-General Hossein Salami warned the US that it had to respect its territorial integrity in a bold threat to Washington.
He added: “Those who defend the borders of the Islamic nation of Iran will react in a total and decisive way to any intrusions by foreign elements on our land.
“Our borders are our red line.”