Donald Trump’s intentions regarding his potential stance toward Iran are analyzed by The New York Times. According to the report, the American president has informed close associates that if diplomatic initiatives or even a limited US military strike do not lead Tehran to abandon its nuclear program, he is considering the possibility of a broader military operation within the coming months. Such a scenario could even include moves aimed at removing Iranian leadership.
Meanwhile, delegations from the United States and Iran are expected to meet in Geneva, in an effort characterized as decisive for preventing military escalation. At the same time, Trump is reportedly evaluating alternative options in case the talks do not yield results.
Donald Trump considers targeted strike on Iran: Escalation against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remains possible
According to his advisors, while no final decisions have been made, the American president appears willing to proceed initially with a targeted attack in the coming days, seeking to make it clear to Tehran that it must definitively abandon any possibility of developing nuclear weapons. Among the potential targets are reportedly facilities related to the nuclear program, ballistic arsenal, as well as Revolutionary Guard headquarters.
If these measures prove unsuccessful, Trump reportedly keeps open the possibility of further military escalation within the year, even targeting the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
However, even within the American government, reservations are expressed about whether such an ambitious goal could be achieved exclusively through airstrikes. At the same time, an alternative proposal that could serve as an exit strategy is being considered behind the scenes: maintaining a strictly limited uranium enrichment program by Iran, exclusively for medical research and therapeutic purposes.
It remains uncertain whether this specific proposal will be accepted. Meanwhile, military forces, including two aircraft carriers and dozens of fighter and bomber aircraft, have been deployed within operational range of Iran.
According to the report, Trump discussed potential attack plans in the White House Situation Room, in the presence of Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Cain, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
During discussions, Trump reportedly asked General Cain and Ratcliffe to present assessments of operational capabilities and risks. Cain described military options from a technical perspective, while Ratcliffe focused on the current situation and potential outcomes of an operation.
Vance, who has advocated for greater restraint in foreign interventions, did not express outright opposition but requested detailed clarifications about the risks and complexity of such action.
Among the options examined was sending special forces for targeted raids on underground nuclear and ballistic facilities. However, such scenarios were deemed extremely dangerous, as they would require prolonged ground presence, and according to officials, have currently been sidelined.
Meanwhile, both sides appear to be hardening their rhetoric. The president’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, stated on Fox News that the clear direction from Trump and Jared Kushner is that the only acceptable outcome of an agreement would be “zero enrichment” of nuclear material by Iran.
