NYT — In recent days, U.S. military officials have presented President Donald Trump with several options for potential military strikes against Iran, The New York Times reported, citing multiple American officials familiar with the matter.
According to the newspaper, the options briefed to the president include scenarios that would target not only military facilities but also nonmilitary, civilian sites in Tehran. Specific details about which locations could be targeted were not disclosed.
Sources said Mr. Trump has not yet made a final decision but is “seriously considering” authorizing new strikes. One senior military official noted that before any potential attack, U.S. commanders in the region would need time to reinforce American positions and prepare for possible retaliatory strikes by Iran.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that preliminary discussions on such options have taken place within the Trump administration. One official said a large-scale air campaign against Iranian military targets had been discussed.
At the same time, another source emphasized that there is no consensus on a specific course of action and that U.S. military equipment or troops have not been repositioned to prepare for an imminent strike.
Officials described the discussions as part of routine military planning and stressed that they do not indicate an inevitable attack on Iran.
When asked about preparations for possible strikes, the White House referred reporters to Mr. Trump’s recent public remarks and posts on the Truth Social platform. In one post, he wrote: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that any U.S. attack would trigger retaliatory strikes by Tehran against Israel and American military bases in the region. His comments came as lawmakers in the Iranian parliament chanted “Death to America!”
Nationwide protests in Iran began in late December, sparked by a sharp currency devaluation, soaring inflation, and worsening economic conditions. Despite internet shutdowns and disrupted communications, human rights groups report that at least 116 people have been killed and roughly 2,600 detained during the demonstrations.
Mr. Trump has repeatedly warned that if Iranian authorities continue using violence to suppress protesters, the United States would respond with “very hard” strikes. He has stressed that such action would not involve ground troops but would instead focus on “hitting them very, very hard where it hurts.”
Source: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press (AP).