Khaberni - CNN reported from sources that President Donald Trump is considering launching an attack on Iran after the failure of talks concerning its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Sources indicated that the options presented to Trump include airstrikes targeting nuclear sites and government institutions.
** Broadcasting Agency: Trump hints at step against Iran which may include regime change
In turn, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that Trump hints he is considering a significant action towards Iran, which may involve working on changing the governing regime in Tehran.
The agency reported from unnamed sources that "Trump hinted he is contemplating this step which may include regime change", adding that "Trump comparing the U.S. forces in the region with what happened in Venezuela confirms Washington's desire to end the Iranian regime."
Sources mentioned Trump is publicly promoting a diplomatic path with Tehran, but continues a policy of threats and military escalation, having earlier posted on "Truth Social" about moving a huge fleet towards Iran led by the American aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln", describing it as bigger than the one previously sent to Venezuela.
Trump said "As with Venezuela, it (the fleet) is ready and equipped and capable of carrying out its mission quickly and forcefully if necessary," and continued "We hope Iran will quickly sit at the negotiating table and negotiate a fair and just deal without nuclear weapons, benefiting all parties. Time is running out, it is extremely important".
Trump continued in a confrontational tone "I told Iran before, make a deal, but they didn’t, and there was an operation that led to significant destruction in Iran. The next attack will be much worse. Don't let this happen again."
Iran threatens to target the heart of Tel Aviv
In turn, Iran escalated its tone towards the United States and its ally Israel, warning that any military strike against it - even if limited - would be considered a declaration of war and would be met with an immediate and unprecedented comprehensive response, targeting the heart of Tel Aviv and all supporters of the aggressor.
Ali Shamkhani, advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stated in a message posted on the X platform in several languages including Hebrew, that "the limited strike is an illusion. Any military action, from America or any party at any level, will be considered the start of a war, and the response will be immediate, comprehensive, and unprecedented, targeting the heart of Tel Aviv and all supporters of the aggressor."
Shamkhani's statements came hours after Trump’s warning to Tehran that time is running out to avoid a military confrontation, announcing the movement of a huge fleet led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln towards the Middle East, in a move he described as larger than what Washington previously sent to Venezuela.
These statements coincided with a similar stance from Germany, where Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that "a regime that relies solely on violence and intimidation, its days are numbered."
China warned against a military adventure that would push the Middle East into the abyss of the unknown, while France announced its support for listing Iran's Revolutionary Guard on the European Union's list of terrorist organizations.
"Media Propaganda"
For its part, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard stated that "the prevailing reality on the ground differs from the enemy's media propaganda."
The Revolutionary Guard announced in a statement they have action plans for all enemy scenarios and possess complete oversight of their movements.
They stated that the 12-day war experience demonstrated that the military option against Iran had failed, and that its armed forces determine the end of the war.
The Revolutionary Guard described intimidation through perpetuating a war atmosphere and deploying an aircraft carrier as an old tactic by U.S. officials.
The statement accused the Americans of seeking to negatively influence the thoughts of the Iranian people through psychological warfare, affirming that the situation on the ground is under control.
"Iran ready for a fair deal"
Simultaneously with military remarks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed his country's readiness to sign a deal ensuring its right to peacefully possess nuclear technology and ensuring it does not seek to obtain nuclear weapons.
Araghchi stated on the X platform that Iran has always welcomed a fair and balanced nuclear deal based on equality and without coercion or threats, affirming that its military doctrine has no room for weapons of mass destruction.
The Iranian minister emphasized that Iran's forces are ready to respond immediately and strongly to any aggression from land, sea, or air, adding that Tehran is open to diplomacy provided it is without coercion.
U.S. Secretary of State Marko Rubio stated that U.S. forces in the region are in the sight of Iranian missiles, and that his country must be ready to prevent a preemptive attack.
Regional Mobilization to Curb Deterioration
In the meantime, Iranian President Masoud Bazshkian discussed with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ways to reduce escalation. The Saudi Press Agency reported that Prince Mohammed bin Salman affirmed in a phone call with Bazshkian his country's position of respecting Iran’s sovereignty, and that the kingdom would not allow its airspace or land to be used for any action against Iran.
Also, the Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani spoke with the Prime Minister Foreign Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
In another call, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, discussed with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recent developments in the region.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry stated in an announcement, "The Prime Minister renewed Qatar's support for all efforts aimed at reducing escalation and peaceful solutions, enhancing regional security and stability."
Egypt also called for the necessary conditions to be created to resume dialogue between the United States and Iran.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Minister Badr Abdel Aaty conducted separate phone calls with both Araghchi and Steve Witkoff, the U.S. president's envoy, emphasizing the importance of reducing escalation and tension, working to achieve calm, and creating the necessary conditions to resume dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said attacking Iran would be a mistake, adding that Tehran is ready to renegotiate its nuclear file.
"Iran more complex than Venezuela"
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marko Rubio said any potential scenario for regime change in Iran would be far more complex than the operation the United States carried out in Venezuela against imprisoned President Nicolas Maduro.
Rubio's remarks came during a hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee devoted to discussing developments in Venezuela, where he noted that Tehran is governed by a system entrenched for decades and requires a different approach.
When asked about the possibility of a similar operation against Iran, Rubio said "that would be much more complex than the situation in Venezuela because we are talking about a system that has been in power for a very long time. If such a scenario emerges, it will need to be studied more carefully."
Rubio noted that between 30 and 40 thousand American soldiers are currently deployed within range of thousands of Iranian drones and short-range ballistic missiles, necessitating "protection of American individuals from potential threats".
Iran and Israel had previously engaged in a war in June 2025, during which Tel Aviv, with American support, launched strikes on military, nuclear, and civilian facilities inside Iran, before Tehran retaliated by targeting Israeli military and intelligence bases.
