Khaberni - US President Donald Trump warned Tehran on Friday that it is "better for the Iranian government to negotiate a fair deal", at a time when he is considering a limited strike against Iran.
When asked whether he is considering a limited strike to pressure Iran to reach an agreement on its nuclear program, he told reporters at the White House, "I think I can say that I am considering it."
Reuters attributed to two US officials saying that American military planning on Iran has reached very advanced stages, with options ranging from targeting individuals to seeking regime change.
The military options are the latest indicators that the United States is preparing for a serious conflict with Iran if diplomatic efforts fail.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that Trump is considering carrying out a limited preliminary strike against Iran, in a move aimed at pushing Tehran towards agreeing to a new nuclear deal.
According to the newspaper, the potential opening attack would target a limited set of military and government sites within Iran, as part of a calculated escalation designed to increase pressure without engaging in a full confrontation from the start.
It added that the US administration is hinting at the possibility of expanding the scope of operations, as Washington might respond with a comprehensive campaign targeting regime facilities if Iran continues to refuse Trump's directives to end uranium enrichment.
The Telegraph newspaper in the UK reported on Thursday that the United States would be ready to start a war against Iran by Saturday, as informed to Donald Trump.
Defense officials briefed Trump that the substantial enhancement of US air and naval forces would be at the required level to begin airstrikes by the end of the week.
This follows the movement of approximately 50 additional fighter jets, along with air-to-air refueling aircraft and other aircraft, towards the Middle East this week.
It is also expected that the second strike carrier group, "USS Gerald R. Ford", will reach the eastern Mediterranean in the coming days.
Trump has already warned Iran of "bad things" unless it agrees on its nuclear program, and he set a deadline of ten days before the United States takes any action.
