US Considers Escalating Military Action
WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a limited initial strike against Iran, with the possibility of a broader military operation in the coming months if Tehran does not abandon its nuclear program, according to a report by The New York Times.
Citing sources familiar with internal deliberations within the Trump administration, the newspaper reported that the president has told advisers that if diplomatic efforts or a limited U.S. action fail to persuade Iran to comply with American demands, he may later weigh a more extensive military campaign. Such an operation, the report said, could aim to weaken or potentially remove Iran’s leadership from power.
Trump Weighs Limited Strike on Iran
According to the report, U.S. and Iranian negotiators are scheduled to meet Thursday in Geneva in what is being described as a final attempt to avert possible military confrontation. Despite ongoing diplomatic engagement, President Trump is said to be keeping military options under active consideration.
While no final decision has been made, advisers cited in the report indicated that the president currently appears inclined toward a limited strike in the coming days. The objective of such action would be to send a clear message to Iran’s leadership that it must demonstrate readiness to relinquish its capacity to develop nuclear weapons.
Geneva Talks Seen as Final Opportunity
The newspaper reported that potential targets under review include facilities associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, nuclear installations, and elements of the country’s ballistic missile program. These options are reportedly being evaluated as part of contingency planning should negotiations fail to yield results.
Sources also suggested that if an initial limited strike does not compel Iran to accept U.S. demands, President Trump may keep open the possibility of a larger military assault later this year. Such an expanded campaign could seek to weaken or eliminate the authority of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Trump Keeps Broader Iran Operation Option
However, the report noted that skepticism exists within the administration regarding whether airstrikes alone could achieve such far-reaching objectives. Questions reportedly remain about the effectiveness and potential consequences of military escalation.
At the same time, the newspaper indicated that both sides are quietly exploring an alternative proposal. Under this potential framework, Iran could be permitted to continue uranium enrichment on a limited scale strictly for medical research and treatment purposes. The aim of such a compromise would be to avoid military confrontation while addressing key concerns. It remains unclear whether either party would ultimately agree to this arrangement.
Meanwhile, military deployments in the region have intensified. Two U.S. aircraft carriers, along with dozens of fighter jets, bombers, and refueling aircraft, have been positioned near Iran. The buildup has contributed to rising tensions and heightened concerns about the prospect of armed conflict.
US Deploys Carriers Near Iranian Waters
As diplomatic efforts continue in Geneva, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether negotiations can defuse the crisis or whether the situation moves closer to military escalation.
