AI-generated illustration

US President Donald Trump, speaking at a campaign rally in Arizona as the November 3 election approached, said he had ordered B-2 bombers to carry out strikes against Iran but called off the operation after details of its timing were leaked to the press.

Trump said the information appeared in outlets including CNN and The New York Times, alerting Iranian authorities to the planned attack. He shared some details of the operation, saying the planes were scheduled to take off from Missouri at 12:07 on the day of the strike and that their arrival time was also disclosed, calling this unacceptable. "Someone leaked it," Trump said, arguing that those responsible deserved life in prison and, in his view, should be "hit," adding that leakers used to be killed.

The president said the B-2 strikes had to be cancelled that day and were carried out two days later. He stressed that people who disclose such information about US military operations must never be forgiven, saying they put national security at risk.

Key Takeaways

• Trump said B-2 bombers were dispatched for strikes on Iran but the operation was postponed after a leak.
• He said the leaked details reached media outlets and informed Iran of the planned attack.
• Trump called for severe punishment for those who disclose US military operations, saying they endanger national security.