According to CCTV News, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, U.S. President Donald Trump had largely decided days ago to take military action against Iran but instructed aides to tell the media that a final decision would be made "within two weeks", a move apparently intended to mislead Iran and conceal the real plan.
CNN reported on June 22 (local time) that Trump was displeased with earlier leaks suggesting he had already approved a strike, fearing they might compromise operational secrecy. Before a lunch meeting with former adviser Steve Bannon on June 19, Trump directed White House Press Secretary Leavitt to publicly state that "no decision had been made." Hours later, Leavitt reiterated this stance during a press briefing.
Sources revealed that although the final approval for the airstrike was given only after bombers were already airborne on June 21, Trump had been closely engaged in daily briefings and discussions with top national security officials, having effectively made up his mind well in advance.
Analysts interpret this maneuver as a deliberate smokescreen—a tactic to buy time through strategic deception before launching the attack on Iran.
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