President Trump attends events in Texas. President Trump visited the port of Corpus Christi, Texas, on the 28th of last month (local time) for a speech. It was confirmed that President Trump approved military operations against Iran while on board Air Force One prior to his arrival in Texas. [AP=Yonhap News]

The Trump administration's decision to launch military operations against Iran, while making statements that seemed to suggest a continuation of nuclear negotiations, is being analyzed as an intentional smokescreen strategy.

According to the timeline revealed by U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine during a briefing on the 2nd (local time), President Trump approved the initiation of military operations against Iran, codenamed 'Operation Epic Fury,' at 3:38 PM EST on the 27th of last month.

This directive was relayed through Defense Secretary Pete Hegses to U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East. The attack on Iran commenced at 1:15 AM the following day, the 28th (9:45 AM Iran time).

Despite deciding on military operations that would have significant repercussions on the regional order, President Trump proceeded with his scheduled public engagements as usual.

The 27th of last month, when President Trump approved the start of the operation, was a Friday, and he had a scheduled visit to Texas.

Before departing for Texas around 12:30 PM that day, President Trump met with reporters at the White House and responded "No" when asked if he had made a final decision regarding Iran. This was before he had actually issued the order to approve the operation.

President Trump expressed continued dissatisfaction with the Iran nuclear negotiations, stating, "I am not satisfied with that approach," but also indicated openness to further dialogue by saying, "We will see what happens."

Air Force One, carrying President Trump, arrived at Corpus Christi International Airport in Texas at 3:50 PM (EST).

The operation approval time was 3:38 PM, meaning President Trump issued the order to commence the operation while on board Air Force One. President Trump's directive was, "Approve Operation Epic Fury. No hesitation. Good luck."

President Trump visits a hamburger restaurant. President Trump is seen visiting a hamburger chain restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas, on the 28th of last month (local time). President Trump had approved military operations against Iran prior to his visit to Texas that day. [Reuters=Yonhap News]

President Trump subsequently proceeded with his scheduled speech and site visits in Texas. When asked by reporters upon arrival in Texas about the timing of the decision to attack Iran, he replied, "I'm not going to say," adding, "You would have had the scoop of the century if you knew."

During his speech, President Trump commented on Iran, stating, "A lot of things are happening right now, and we have major decisions to make. It's not an easy decision."

He added, "They (Iran) want a deal, but we will make a deal that makes sense. I want to do it peacefully if possible, but they are very tricky and dangerous people."

This means that even while having already approved the operation, he publicly maintained a stance of appearing to be deliberating on the decision.

President Trump concluded his speech by performing simple dance moves, waving his hands to the music of 'YMCA,' his campaign song.

President Trump later visited a hamburger chain, meeting with employees and citizens.

This appears to be an attempt to maintain a diplomatic message by making it seem as though further negotiations with Iran were still possible, while simultaneously maximizing the element of surprise by being fully prepared for an attack behind the scenes.

This can be seen as a typical smokescreen operation aimed at lowering the opponent's guard and achieving maximum surprise attack objectives.

It also reflects the practical constraints of military operations, where concealing the decision to launch an attack is difficult to maintain surprise and protect forces.

Indeed, this military operation resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and inflicted significant damage on Iran's military leadership.

The Wall Street Journal and other media outlets reported that the U.S. and Israel identified the time and location where high-ranking Iranian officials would be gathered and launched an attack of near-annihilation proportions.

President Trump stated on that day, "We had anticipated that it would take four weeks to eliminate the military leadership, but as you know, that task was completed in about an hour."