| So much for accusations that this was a spur-of-the-moment temper tantrum. |
if Iran 
...a theocratic Shiite state divided among the Medes, the Persians, and the (Arab) Elamites. Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979. The nation is today noted for spontaneouslytaking over other countries' embassies, maintaining whorehouses run by clergymen, involvement in international drug trafficking, and financing sock puppet
militiasto extend the regime's influence. The word
Iranis a cognate form of
Aryan,the abbreviation
IRGCis a cognate form of
Stürmabteilung (or SA),the term
Supreme Guideis a cognate form of either
Shahor
Führeror maybe both, and they hate
continued escalating conflict with the United States.
The presidential directive, which came in June, required that Trump approve the final sign-off of an operation to get Soleimani, according to NBC News.
"There have been a number of options presented to the president over the course of time," a senior administration official said in comments released Monday. The official said it was "some time ago" when the administration added killing Soleimani as an option to respond against Iran.
Officials said that then-national security adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wanted to use the option after Iran shot down a U.S. drone, but Trump denied the request.
The president made clear at the time he only wanted to kill Soleimani if the Iranians "hit Americans," according to a person who had been briefed about the discussions.