Reuters reports that Donald Trump is considering various actions against Iran, including precision strikes against leaders and security institutions.
Possible US Military Options
According to Reuters sources, Donald Trump is considering various actions against Iran, including precision strikes against security forces and regime leaders. The agency reported that “scenarios of strikes against leaders and institutions recognized by Washington as responsible for the violence” are being analyzed.
Another source mentioned that among the options being considered is “a much larger strike that would have long-term consequences,” potentially targeting Iranian ballistic missiles. Sources from the agency indicated that the US president has not yet made a final decision on the use of military force.
Regional Perspectives on Regime Change
Israeli and Arab officials emphasize that air superiority alone would not be enough to overthrow the Iranian regime. Arab officials and Western diplomats even suggested that an American attack could weaken demonstrators rather than strengthen them.
One Israeli official stated that if the US wants to overthrow the Iranian regime, they must send soldiers to the country. The official noted that “even if the United States killed the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran would have another leader to replace him.”
Iran’s Preparations and Regional Movements
A high-ranking Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is “preparing for military confrontation.” This comes after Trump announced last week that an “armada” was heading toward Iran, and the USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the Middle East along with other warships.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi will meet with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Turkey on Friday. According to a source from Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks will focus on recent developments in Iran and tensions with the US.
New EU Sanctions Against Iran
On Thursday, EU foreign ministers adopted new sanctions against Iran, targeting individuals and entities involved in brutal repression against demonstrators. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also announced plans to place Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the list of terrorist organizations.
“This will equate the Revolutionary Guard with Al-Qaeda, Hamas and Daesh,” Kallas stated. “If someone acts like a terrorist, they should be treated as a terrorist. Many people have died during the protests in Iran, and the measures used by the regime are really very harsh.”
