When protests erupted in Iran in late December 2025, US President Donald Trump issued strong warnings to Tehran, declaring airstrikes as one of many options under consideration and stating he was "not afraid to use force and the might of the US military if necessary."

However, the US President at the time also emphasized that diplomacy remained the "preferred option." Besides ordering US aircraft carrier strike groups to the Middle East, Trump dispatched a delegation to negotiate with Iran on its nuclear and missile programs, aiming to compel Tehran to accept concessions proposed by the United States.

However, as negotiations failed to achieve a breakthrough, Trump grew impatient and increasingly leaned towards using force. Sources familiar with the matter at the White House told the Washington Post that Trump's decision to launch a large-scale attack on Iran on the morning of 28/2 came after weeks of persuasion from Israel and Saudi Arabia, two key US allies in the Middle East.

President Donald Trump disembarks Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, on 27/2. Photo: AP

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in late January, stressing that Saudi Arabia "would not allow its airspace or territory to be used in any military action" against Iran. Yet, after Iran issued several strong statements, including threats to "destroy" many targets related to US interests in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia's attitude appeared to shift.

Sources indicate that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently held numerous private phone calls with President Trump to express support for a US attack on Iran, despite his public endorsement of a diplomatic solution.

During these discussions, the Saudi leader warned that Iran would become stronger and more dangerous if the US did not attack immediately, especially after assembling a massive military force in the Middle East.

Crown Prince Mohammed's viewpoint was further reinforced by his younger brother, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman. Sources report that Minister Khalid held closed-door meetings with US officials in Washington in January, warning of the consequences of not attacking.

This action stemmed from Saudi Arabia's calculation to avoid Iranian retaliation against its critical oil infrastructure, while also viewing Tehran as its biggest regional rival, according to experts.

Iran, with its Shiite Muslim majority, and Saudi Arabia, led by Sunnis, have long been fierce adversaries, leading to a series of proxy conflicts across the region.

Following the initial US airstrike, Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles targeting Saudi Arabia. Riyadh issued an angry statement condemning the attack, calling on the international community to "take all necessary and decisive measures" against Tehran.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long persisted in convincing the US to strike his country's rival, which he views as an existential threat.

Coupled with the deadlock in negotiations, the coordinated efforts of these two nations are seen as the driving force pushing Trump more towards a military solution.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, negotiated with the Iranian delegation in Geneva on 26/2, marking the third high-level meeting since early February. According to a Trump administration official, they left believing that Tehran was "playing with words" and using delaying tactics when reminded of the demand to cease uranium enrichment.

"Their clear intention is to maintain the capability to enrich uranium so that, over time, they can use it for nuclear bombs," the official stated.

By the afternoon of 27/2, as Trump traveled to Corpus Christi, Texas, to campaign for a Republican primary candidate on 3/3, the President's frustration and sharp rhetoric escalated. He repeatedly declared himself "not satisfied" with Iranian negotiators.

"I have a lot on my plate," President Trump told the crowd at the end of a speech primarily focused on energy policy. "We have a big decision to make. It's not easy, not easy at all. We have a very big decision to make."

He then flew back to Palm Beach, Florida, for the weekend. According to a person present and in direct contact with the President, on the evening of 27/2, he appeared at the Mar-a-Lago resort looking tired but in good spirits.

After conversing with supporters, he returned to his private quarters to record a speech announcing the attack, immediately after deciding to proceed with the large-scale strike operation against Iran.

US President Donald Trump and US officials observe the attack on Iran. Photo: The White House

"Not long ago, the United States military began a major operation in Iran. Our purpose is to protect Americans by eliminating imminent threats from Iran. Their threatening activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases abroad, and our allies around the world," he stated in his speech.

He said this campaign targeted Iran's missile capabilities, naval forces, and what he called Iran's "terrorist proxy forces," vowing to "destroy their missiles and flatten their missile forces," as well as "wipe out their navy."

The US President also sent a message to Iran's security forces, urging them to lay down their weapons, warning they would face death if they did not. He advised the Iranian people to seek shelter during the attack and to "take over the government when we are done," describing it as a "once-in-a-century opportunity," adding that "your moment of freedom is coming."

Within the first hour, the coordinated attack by the US and Israel resulted in the deaths of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several other senior officials.

List of senior Iranian officials Israel announced were killed. Graphic: IDF

The strike marked a turning point in decades of US decision-making, which had always refrained from an all-out effort to overthrow the Iranian government. This also represented a sharp departure from Trump's previous military interventions, which were much narrower in scope.

Now, President Trump faces the risks of his gamble: whether a large-scale military air campaign can help him achieve his political objectives on the ground.

"No president is willing to do what I am doing tonight," Trump declared as US missiles rained down on targets across Iran. "Now, you have a president who gives you what you want, so let's see how you react."

Trump's speech on the decision to attack Iran. Video: TruthSocial/realDonald Trump

Vu Hoang (According to Washington Post, AFP, Reuters)