WASHINGTON: President Trump ordered strikes on Iran following weeks of lobbying by Israel and Saudi Arabia, according to a report by The Washington Post.
The newspaper reported that President Donald Trump authorized a major aerial assault against Iran on Saturday after two key U.S. allies in the Middle East — Israel and Saudi Arabia — applied sustained behind-the-scenes pressure.
According to the report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had long publicly called on the United States to strike Iran, describing it as an “existential threat” to Israel. At the same time, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly made several private phone calls urging President Trump to support military action against Iran, even as he publicly maintained support for a diplomatic solution.
Sources cited in the report said that this coordinated pressure played a significant role in persuading President Trump to launch a large-scale air operation, referred to as “Operation Epic Fury.”
The attack on Iran was described as extensive, involving U.S. and Israeli aircraft and weaponry. Initial strikes reportedly targeted senior Iranian leadership figures and key military installations. According to reports, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several senior officials, was killed during the operation.
The Washington Post further reported that U.S. intelligence assessments had found no clear evidence of an imminent threat from Iran — meaning there was no concrete planning or intelligence indicating that an immediate strike was unavoidable. Nevertheless, regional allies pressed Washington to escalate military pressure and proceed with action against Tehran.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia publicly expressed support for diplomacy, yet behind the scenes used its influence to advocate for a military strike.
The report highlights how major regional powers can shape critical decisions in a rapidly evolving Middle Eastern political landscape, exerting pressure on U.S. policy in pursuit of their strategic and security interests.
