For Trump, a Risky Decision Other Presidents Had Avoided.
In ordering the drone strike that killed Iran’s top security commander, Mr. Trump challenged predictions it could lead to a wider war in the Middle East.
How Trump decided to kill a top Iranian general
At his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, the president and advisers discussed whether to kill Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, who military leaders described as responsible for an attack of an American citizen and likely to kill more. The rapid sequence of events made clear that a decades-old conflict has reached a fever pitch.
MORE COVERAGE
U.S. strike on Iranian leader sparks fears of major digital disruption
With Iran considered one of the world's most capable cyber warriors, experts fear the U.S. killing of Qasem Soleimani could result in new attacks on banks, power plants and social media.