Donald Trump privately 'approves attack plans' for Iran but withholds final order

told senior aides late Tuesday that he approved attack plans for Iran.

The development comes amid intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel,as both nations continue to exchange fire in what has become the region’s most volatile standoff in years.

The president has however withheld a final order to see if Tehran would abandon its nuclear program, thereported on Wednesday, citing three people familiar with the deliberations. The Pentagon is providing options to the President as he decides next steps- but would not confirm whether the military was planning to assist with strikes.

Trump recently at Iran, joking about joining in attacking the Middle Eastern nation. The US president spoke to reporters at the White House and was asked by CNN reporter Alayna Treene whether he was moving closer - or believes the US is moving closer - to striking Iranian nuclear facilities.

READ MORE:

He said with a smirk: "Well, obviously I can't say that, right? You don't seriously think I am going to answer that question?" He then seemingly laughed the question off before saying: "I mean, you don't even know if I may do it. I may do it. I may not do it." He then issued an apparent threat, adding: "Nobody knows what I'm going to do."

Trump initially distanced himself from Israel's surprise attack on Friday that triggered the conflict, but in recent days he has hinted at greater American involvement, saying he wants something "much bigger" than a ceasefire.

Iran’s well-defended Fordow enrichment facility is a possible U.S. target; it is buried under a mountain and generally considered by military experts to be out of reach of all but the most powerful bombs.

The leader called him "a great friend of Israel" and praising US help defending Israel's skies. "We speak constantly, including last night," he said on Wednesday. "We had a very warm conversation."

Earlier today, an Iranian diplomat warned that US intervention would risk an "all-out war". Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei did not elaborate, but thousands of American troops are based in nearby countries within range of Iran's weapons.

Trump, speaking at the in Canada, ramped up his backing for action, triggering fury from MAGA voices once considered key Trump allies.

Among them, and Steve Bannon - two of MAGA ’s loudest mouthpieces - accused him of dragging America toward a catastrophic Middle East war. “I am really afraid that my country is going to be further weakened by this,” Carlson said during Bannon’s War Room podcast. “I think we are going to see the end of the American empire.”

Follow our live blog for the latest updates by