Overview

• Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander James Stavridis told CNN he assesses a two-in-three chance that President Trump will order a military strike on Iran’s nuclear program.
• Stavridis cited the momentum of deployed U.S. forces, advice from advisers such as Senators Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton and General Erik Kurilla, and domestic political calculations as factors shaping Trump’s decision.
• He identified the Fordow uranium enrichment plant as the probable target for bunker-busting munitions intended to disable Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
• Stavridis warned that a U.S. attack could trigger Iranian retaliation against American bases, regional partners or oil infrastructure and even risk a shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.
• The White House has launched a strategic review with a decision due within two weeks as diplomatic efforts continue and global leaders press for restraint.