Bulwark Takes: Episode Summary – "Breaking: Trump APPROVED US Attack Plan On Iran"

Introduction

In this riveting episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Sam Stein and guest Alex Ward, a national security reporter for The Wall Street Journal, delve into a groundbreaking revelation: President Donald Trump has privately approved attack plans against Iran. The discussion unpacks the nuances of this development, the potential for diplomatic intervention, and the internal dynamics within the Trump administration. The episode, released on June 18, 2025, offers listeners an in-depth analysis of a high-stakes geopolitical moment.

Trump's Approval of Attack Plans on Iran

The episode opens with Alex Ward breaking the news from the Wall Street Journal. He reveals that President Trump informed his senior aides late Tuesday that he has approved attack plans targeting Iran. However, Trump is withholding the final order to allow time for a possible diplomatic resolution. Ward states:

"President Trump told senior aides late Tuesday that he approved of attack plans for Iran, but was holding off on giving the final order to see if Tehran will abandon its nuclear program." [02:57]

This revelation underscores the immediacy and gravity of the situation, highlighting the President's readiness to engage militarily if diplomatic efforts falter.

Ambivalence and Search for Diplomatic Solutions

Despite the approval of attack plans, President Trump appears to be treading a fine line between military action and diplomatic negotiation. Sam Stein probes whether Trump has specific attack plans or is merely signaling his approval of potential strategies. Ward clarifies that while specific details of the attack plans are not publicly available, it is evident that:

"He's telling the military to get ready... if I say go, we can go. But he's clearly also thinking about this in terms of leverage." [04:00]

Trump's hesitancy suggests a strategic attempt to pressure Iran into negotiations, maintaining the option of resorting to force if necessary.

Internal Dynamics and Support within the Administration

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the internal consensus—or lack thereof—within Trump's inner circle and the broader national security apparatus. Ward explains that the decision-making process is highly centralized:

"This is pure... the president, people advise the president directly and he goes, I'm doing this. And then everyone underneath executes." [08:03]

While traditional Republican hawks like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton have long advocated for a hardline stance against Iran, there is a noticeable split within the MAGA coalition. Some factions oppose further Middle Eastern entanglements, reflecting a tension between isolationist and interventionist sentiments within the administration.

Trump's Communication and Strategy

Trump's communication style remains a focal point of the discussion. His public statements are characterized by a blend of menace and strategic ambiguity. Ward suggests that Trump's approach serves a dual purpose:

"He sees the power of the bully pulpit to a certain extent... he can use [the story] as leverage." [11:10]

By publicly acknowledging the approval of attack plans while retaining the option for diplomacy, Trump maintains strategic flexibility. This tactic echoes his handling of North Korea negotiations, where threats were used as leverage to secure diplomatic engagements.

Potential Scenarios and Implications

The conversation turns to the potential outcomes of this high-stakes situation. Ward outlines two primary scenarios:

1. Military Engagement: Should Trump issue the final order, the U.S. could find itself embroiled in an active conflict with Iran. Ward references a past incident where a planned strike was aborted after assessing the proportionality of the response:

   "I mean, the planes were in the air, and then he decided against it because the damage wasn't proportionate." [14:32]

2. Diplomatic Resolution: If Iran responds favorably to diplomatic overtures by halting its nuclear program, the tension could deescalate, avoiding military conflict.

Ward emphasizes the unpredictability and rapid development of events:

"We could wake up tomorrow and it could be that we are totally engaged in Iran, or we could wake up tomorrow and there could be some sort of diplomatic agreement." [13:15]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with reflections on the unprecedented nature of the current situation. The lack of internal dissent and the top-down decision-making process within the Trump administration amplify the stakes. Ward and Stein underscore the fragile balance between war and peace, highlighting the critical role of diplomatic efforts in navigating this crisis.

Alex Ward's exclusive reporting offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the delicate dynamics at play, emphasizing the global implications of President Trump's strategic choices regarding Iran.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alex Ward [02:57]: "President Trump told senior aides late Tuesday that he approved of attack plans for Iran, but was holding off on giving the final order to see if Tehran will abandon its nuclear program."

• Alex Ward [04:00]: "He's telling the military to get ready... if I say go, we can go. But he's clearly also thinking about this in terms of leverage."

• Alex Ward [08:03]: "This is pure... the president, people advise the president directly and he goes, I'm doing this. And then everyone underneath executes."

• Alex Ward [11:10]: "He sees the power of the bully pulpit to a certain extent... he can use [the story] as leverage."

• Alex Ward [14:32]: "I mean, the planes were in the air, and then he decided against it because the damage wasn't proportionate."

• Sam Stein [13:15]: "We could wake up tomorrow and it could be that we are totally engaged in Iran, or we could wake up tomorrow and there could be some sort of diplomatic agreement."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a timely and insightful analysis of the precarious situation involving potential U.S. military action against Iran. Through the expertise of Sam Stein and Alex Ward, listeners gain a nuanced perspective on the interplay between military strategy, diplomatic efforts, and internal political dynamics under the Trump administration.