Washington, DC – Two US officials revealed that US military planning regarding Iran has reached an advanced stage, with options including targeting specific individuals in a potential attack, and even pursuing regime change in Tehran if President Donald Trump orders it. This was reported by Reuters.
Wide range of military options
According to the agency, the options under consideration represent a new indication of the United States’ readiness for a potential conflict with Iran should the diplomatic track falter. Previous reports had indicated the preparation of a plan that could extend over several weeks and include strikes on security facilities and nuclear infrastructure inside Iran.
The two officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that the planning includes more ambitious details ahead of any presidential decision. This comes amid public statements by Trump hinting at the possibility of regime change in Iran.
precedent of Soleimani’s assassination
During his first term, Trump authorized a 2020 strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in an operation that sparked widespread tensions in the region. His administration also designated the IRGC a foreign terrorist organization in 2019.
One official pointed to what he described as Israel’s success in targeting Iranian leaders during a previous 12-day confrontation. He emphasized that this approach requires precise intelligence capabilities to identify targets and avoid collateral damage.
Risks of regional escalation
In contrast, US officials warned that any strike could provoke an Iranian response against US bases in the region, increasing the likelihood of a wider conflict. The United States maintains military bases in several Middle Eastern countries, while Tehran has previously threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if attacked.
While Trump has kept the door open to diplomacy, emphasizing the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, indirect talks continue amidst clear differences in positions, according to statements exchanged between the two sides.
