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U.S. Weighs Military Options Against Iran, Including Targeted Strikes and Regime Change
Potential U.S. military action against Iran could target specific Iranian leaders or even pursue regime change, according to unnamed U.S. officials who spoke with Reuters on condition of anonymity. The options have reportedly emerged during the planning stages, though they would require direct authorization from President Donald Trump.
The revelation comes as tensions escalate between Washington and Tehran amid stalled nuclear talks. When asked at a White House press briefing on Friday about the possibility of a limited military strike on Iran, President Trump confirmed he was “considering” such action to pressure Iranian leadership into a nuclear agreement.
Trump has set a strict timeline for diplomatic resolution, stating last Thursday that Iran has “10, 15 days, pretty much maximum” to reach an agreement. “We’re either going to get a deal, or it’s going to be unfortunate for them,” he warned, signaling growing impatience with the negotiation process.
The president has previously demonstrated willingness to take direct military action against high-ranking Iranian officials. In 2020, Trump ordered the strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ elite Quds Force, in Baghdad, Iraq. That assassination marked a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran relations and triggered retaliatory missile strikes on U.S. bases in Iraq.
When questioned last week about whether he wanted regime change in Iran, Trump responded, “Well it seems like that would be the best thing that could happen,” suggesting a potential shift toward more aggressive policy objectives beyond nuclear containment.
The United States has been building up its military presence in the Middle East in recent weeks. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier is currently heading to the region, part of a broader force deployment that signals American readiness for potential conflict while negotiations continue.
A Middle Eastern source with knowledge of the negotiations told Fox News Digital that Iranian officials recognize the heightened risk of military conflict and are unlikely to deliberately provoke the U.S. at this stage. However, the source emphasized that certain concessions remain impossible for Tehran.
“Iran cannot accept limitations on its short-range missile program,” the source said, describing it as “a firm red line set by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.” Iranian negotiators reportedly lack authorization to compromise on missile capabilities, with such concessions viewed internally as equivalent to defeat in war.
The same source indicated that Iran might show more flexibility regarding uranium enrichment parameters if sanctions relief were included in any agreement. This suggests some room for diplomatic maneuvering despite the hardline stance on missile development.
The standoff comes at a critical juncture for both nations. For the U.S., concerns about Iran’s advancing nuclear program and regional influence through proxy militias have intensified. For Iran, crushing economic sanctions and domestic political pressures have created urgency for relief while maintaining strategic deterrents.
International observers note that targeted strikes against Iranian leadership would represent a significant escalation beyond conventional military action against nuclear or military facilities. Such personalized targeting could fundamentally alter the regional security landscape and potentially trigger unpredictable retaliatory measures through Iran’s network of proxies across the Middle East.
As the diplomatic clock ticks down, oil markets have already shown sensitivity to the rhetoric, with crude prices edging higher on concerns about potential supply disruptions from the world’s seventh-largest oil producer.
The White House has not officially commented on the reported military options being considered against Iran.
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20 Comments
The report that the US is considering military options against Iran, including regime change, is worrying. Unilateral strikes could have severe regional implications and undermine ongoing nuclear talks. A diplomatic resolution should be the priority to address concerns on both sides.
Absolutely, further escalation and conflict must be avoided. Diplomacy offers the best path forward to find a negotiated settlement that satisfies all parties.
Concerning to hear the US is considering military options against Iran, even targeted strikes. This could severely destabilize the region and jeopardize the fragile nuclear negotiations. Continued diplomacy and de-escalation efforts should be the priority to find a peaceful resolution to this longstanding conflict.
I share your concerns. Unilateral military action should be an absolute last resort. Diplomatic solutions remain the best path forward to address the complex issues between the US and Iran.
The report of potential US military strikes or regime change in Iran is alarming. Unilateral action could have devastating regional consequences and jeopardize the fragile nuclear negotiations. Continued diplomacy and de-escalation efforts are crucial to finding a peaceful solution.
I concur, military intervention should be avoided at all costs. Diplomatic engagement remains the best path forward to address the complex issues between the US and Iran.
It’s worrying to hear the US is considering military options against Iran, including regime change. This could have grave regional consequences and jeopardize the fragile nuclear negotiations. Continued diplomatic efforts and de-escalation should be the priority to find a peaceful solution.
I share your concerns. Unilateral military action should be an absolute last resort. Diplomacy remains the best path forward to address the complex issues between the US and Iran.
Concerning development if the US is considering targeted strikes or regime change in Iran. Escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran could lead to a dangerous military confrontation. Diplomatic solutions should be prioritized to avoid further destabilization in the region.
I agree, military action should be a last resort. Continued negotiations and diplomacy are critical to resolving this issue peacefully.
The report of potential US military strikes or regime change in Iran is deeply concerning. Any such action would likely have severe destabilizing effects in the region and undermine the ongoing diplomatic process. A negotiated settlement through continued talks should be the top priority to address the nuclear issue.
Agreed, further escalation and conflict must be avoided at all costs. Diplomatic engagement offers the best chance of finding a lasting solution that satisfies all parties.
Given the history of US-Iran tensions, the prospect of targeted strikes or regime change is concerning. Any military action should be an absolute last resort after exhausting diplomatic channels. A peaceful resolution through negotiation is crucial to prevent a wider conflict.
I share your concerns. Diplomacy and de-escalation efforts must take priority to avoid a dangerous escalation of the situation.
Concerning to hear the US is considering military options against Iran, even targeted strikes. This could severely destabilize the region and undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts. A negotiated settlement through continued talks should be the priority to address the nuclear issue.
Agreed, military action should be an absolute last resort. Diplomatic solutions offer the best chance of a sustainable resolution to this longstanding conflict.
The report of potential US military strikes or regime change in Iran is very worrying. Such action could have severe regional implications and undermine the ongoing diplomatic process. A negotiated settlement through continued talks should be the top priority to address the nuclear issue and ease tensions.
Absolutely, further escalation and conflict must be avoided. Diplomacy offers the best chance of finding a lasting solution that satisfies the concerns of all parties involved.
The possibility of US military action against Iran, even targeted strikes, is very concerning. This could severely destabilize the region and undermine the ongoing diplomatic process. A peaceful resolution through continued negotiations should be the top priority to address the nuclear issue.
Absolutely, further military escalation must be avoided. Diplomacy offers the best chance of finding a lasting solution that satisfies the concerns of all parties involved.