Donlad Trump privately approves attack plans for Iran but has withheld 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.

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.

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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.

The US has also sent more military aircraft and warships to the region. In a video address to Israelis, Prime Minister expressed appreciation for Trump's support in the conflict.

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."

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