WASHINGTON — In a surprising turn of events, President Trump issued an order for a military strike against Iran while aboard Air Force One en route to Texas on Friday. Following this decisive move, he attended a rally where he energetically danced to “Y.M.C.A.” and later indulged in hamburgers at Whataburger, treating his team to the Texan classic.
The Pentagon provided a detailed timeline on Monday, revealing that President Trump’s directive to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and target its leadership was issued as he headed to a rally in anticipation of Texas’ primary elections. This critical decision unfolded as part of a broader geopolitical strategy, underscoring the administration’s stance on Iran.
General Dan Raisin’ Caine, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, disclosed the succinct nature of the president’s command. “The president directed, and I quote, ‘Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck,’” Caine stated, emphasizing the clarity and urgency of the order, which was communicated at precisely 3:38 p.m.
In a conversation with The Post on Monday, President Trump elaborated on his decision-making process. He confirmed that his resolve was cemented after crucial discussions on Thursday in Geneva. During these talks, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, maintained the country’s “inalienable right” to enrich uranium, a stance that ultimately influenced the president’s directive.
Trump’s command came in at 3:38 p.m..
The president told The Post in an interview Monday that he made up his mind “after the final talks” Thursday in Geneva, where Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, insisted the country had an “inalienable right” to enrich uranium.
Press pool reports from Trump’s Friday trip to Texas indicate that US Central Command received Trump’s orders from Hegseth 12 minutes before Air Force One landed at Corpus Christi International Airport.
Trump then traveled by motorcade to a nearby port — standing in front of an oil tanker from Venezuela as he took reporter questions.
At 4:30 p.m. ET, a reporter asked Trump, “How close are you to making a decision on strikes?”
“I’d rather not tell you. You would have had the greatest scoop in history, right?” the president replied.
At 4:47 p.m., Trump took the stage to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”
He spoke for 59 minutes, saying “we have a very big decision to make” — before shimmying off stage with his signature dance to the Village People classic.
A short time later, Trump stopped by a Whataburger — a classic Texas fast food joint.
“So are these the best hamburgers?” he asked, as he mingled with staff and patrons.
“Hamburgers for all! Don’t eat too much,” he said.
Trump then flew to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., where he mingled before guests before taping his announcement that the country was at war.
It’s unclear if Trump’s nonchalant demeanor was intended to give Iran a false sense of safety.
Other signs had indicated a strike might not be imminent — including Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s publicly announced plans to travel to Israel on Monday and another planned round of US-Iran talks expected to happen Monday in Vienna.
Follow The Post’s coverage of the United States’ airstrikes on Iran:
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamanei was killed in broad daylight Israeli strikes while holding an above-ground meeting with dozens of top commanders — apparently taken completely unawares.
