Trump concerned about regional instability if U.S. stikes Iran - NYP

Published 2025/06/20, 14:46
© Pavlo Gonchar / SOPA Images/Sipa via Reuters Connect

Investing.com -- President Trump has delayed his decision on whether the U.S. will join Israel’s airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear program, with sources indicating he has concerns about potential regional instability, according to the New York Post.

The president has specifically mentioned Libya as a cautionary example in private discussions, according to three sources close to the administration who spoke about the deliberations. Trump reportedly expressed worry about Iran becoming "another Libya," referring to the North African nation’s descent into chaos following the 2011 NATO bombing campaign that removed dictator Moammar Khadafy.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday that the president is postponing his decision for up to two weeks, citing "a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future."

Diplomatic efforts are continuing, with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi scheduled to meet with his counterparts from the UK, France, Germany and the EU in Geneva on Friday. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff will not attend these talks but has maintained separate communications with Iranian officials, according to Leavitt.

One source familiar with the administration’s thinking indicated that if military action is taken, Trump appears to be leaning toward limited airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow and Natanz, potentially using 30,000-pound "bunker buster" bombs that Israeli aircraft cannot carry.

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