Khaberni - The "New York Times" revealed that US President Donald Trump held a meeting in the White House situation room to discuss military options against Iran, including a major strike if the diplomatic path fails.
According to those familiar with the administration's deliberations, Trump informed his advisers that if neither diplomacy nor a limited initial American strike forced Tehran to abandon its nuclear program, he would consider a broader attack in the coming months aimed at toppling the Iranian leadership.
US and Iranian negotiators are scheduled to meet in Geneva on Thursday in what is seen as a last-ditch effort to avoid a military confrontation, while Trump is considering American intervention scenarios if these talks fail.
According to the advisers, Trump is inclined to carry out an initial strike in the coming days to send a firm message to the Iranian leadership about the necessity of giving up the capability to produce nuclear weapons, with potential targets including Revolutionary Guard headquarters, nuclear facilities, and the ballistic missile program.
Trump noted that if these steps do not achieve their goal in changing Tehran’s stance, he will keep the option of a larger military attack later this year on the table, as part of an effort to help weaken or overthrow the authority of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
However, this strategy raises questions within the administration itself about the possibility of achieving regime change through airstrikes alone, while also exploring a new settlement formula that allows Iran to maintain a highly limited nuclear enrichment program for research and medical treatment purposes, without clarity on the willingness of either party to accept it.
