Originally Posted by OpieTaylor

It seems like the “now” was that Israel was determined to seize the opportunity to strike the supreme leader. They gave courtesy notice to the US.

Iran was determined to drag the US into the Israel fight because they lost the Syria/Hezbollah threats to check Israel.

Trump’s options were shoot down Israel planes, withdraw iron dome support for civilians, or hunker down while Iran responded to the Israel strike.

Trump decided to own the whole thing instead of just responding to Iranian aggression provoked by Israel.