Trump May Approve Strike on Fordow, Multiple Airstrikes in the Works
According to sources cited by ABC, U.S. President Trump is increasingly inclined to approve a strike on Iran's Fordow nuclear facility. Notably, the plan for the attack might involve multiple phases and rounds, indicating that U.S. patience with Iran's nuclear activities is waning.
Sources indicate that the U.S. military is preparing for such an attack, including the repositioning and logistical support of relevant military bases. The Fordow facility is located in central Iran, deeply embedded within a robust mountain. Several military experts point out that only a few countries possess bunker-busting bombs capable of destroying such deeply entrenched targets, like the U.S. Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP).
White House Remains Silent; Trump Consults with MAGA Faction on Public Opinion
As of now, the White House has not responded to these reports. However, insiders note that Trump has consulted with his vice-presidential candidate, J.D. Vance, and is attempting to engage with core supporters of the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement to gauge their response to potential military action against Iran.
The MAGA faction has traditionally emphasized a strong global U.S. stance. Nonetheless, whether they will support substantive military conflict, particularly actions that might lead to a large-scale regional war, remains to be seen.
Strike Order Not Yet Issued, Observation Window Remains
Previously, three informed sources revealed that Trump "initially approved" the attack plan during an internal meeting on June 17, but did not issue a final order. This decision is seen as the U.S. continuing to observe whether Iran will abandon its nuclear program, thereby avoiding further escalation of military conflict.
Currently, Iran has militarized the Fordow facility heavily, with extensive anti-aircraft missiles and radar making it nearly impregnable. If the U.S. decides to act, it might initially employ electronic interference and long-range strikes to suppress air defense systems, followed by precision strikes with bunker-busting bombs.
Iran Nuclear Issue at a Stalemate
The Fordow nuclear facility is viewed by the West as one of the most controversial projects in Iran's nuclear program. Its deep-set structure and defensive systems make it a symbolic core of Iran's nuclear capability. Despite Iran's repeated insistence that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes, the international community, especially Israel and the U.S., remains skeptical.
Recent intelligence indicates an acceleration in uranium enrichment activities at Fordow, heightening concerns for both the U.S. and Israel. With continual diplomatic setbacks and Middle East tensions rising, a military strike appears to be an "extreme option" for the U.S. to pressure Iran.
Gold and Oil Prices May Fluctuate Strongly
Market analysts warn that a U.S. military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities could trigger significant fluctuations in oil and gold prices. The Fordow facility is only a few hundred kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz, and any escalation in the conflict could disrupt a quarter of the world's oil transport.
Additionally, risk-averse sentiments might drive up gold prices, and the dollar and U.S. treasury bonds could become short-term safe havens for capital. Investors are closely monitoring the White House's actions and any further military deployments by the Pentagon.
