US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a dramatic escalation against Iran, including plans that could target senior Iranian political and military leaders, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The report, citing American and foreign officials, claims Trump has been presented with several military options but has not yet made a final decision.
The proposals allegedly include a sustained air campaign that could last for weeks and aim to “kill scores of Iranian political and military leaders,” with the broader objective of weakening or even toppling Iran’s ruling establishment. Other options reportedly focus on direct strikes against nuclear and ballistic missile facilities.
Strike Plans Under Review
According to the WSJ, Trump has received detailed briefings outlining various scenarios. One option envisions a sweeping air assault designed to cripple Iran’s leadership structure and military command. Another, less expansive approach would target critical infrastructure, including uranium enrichment facilities and missile production sites.
Meanwhile, CBS News reported that the US military is prepared to launch strikes as soon as Saturday, though the timeline for potential military action may extend beyond the immediate weekend. The White House has not publicly confirmed the specifics of these briefings.
On Wednesday, Trump’s national security advisers reportedly convened in the White House Situation Room to discuss developments. Despite the aggressive options on the table, the president is said to be holding out hope that diplomatic pressure might still compel Tehran to dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Diplomatic Efforts in Geneva
Talks mediated by Oman were held in Geneva earlier this week. While both Washington and Tehran described the discussions as constructive, no concrete breakthroughs were achieved.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s position that uranium enrichment for civilian purposes is an “inherent, non-negotiable, and legally binding” right. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful energy production, not weaponization.
Tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions have simmered for years, particularly since the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement during Trump’s first term. That deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), had placed limits on Iran’s enrichment activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
Massive US Military Buildup
The current US military buildup in the Middle East is reportedly the largest since the American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Two aircraft carrier strike groups, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, have been deployed to the region, along with additional strategic bombers and support assets.
The presence of multiple carrier groups significantly enhances the United States’ ability to conduct sustained air operations. Carrier-based F/A-18 fighter jets can execute precision strikes, enforce no-fly zones, or provide defensive coverage for regional allies.
Military analysts note that such deployments are often used both as deterrence and as preparation for potential offensive action. The scale of the buildup signals Washington’s readiness to escalate if diplomatic channels collapse.
Russia Warns of Nuclear Disaster
The escalating rhetoric has drawn international concern. In an interview with Al Arabiya, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the United States of “playing with fire.” Lavrov warned that strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities could trigger a nuclear disaster with potentially catastrophic regional consequences.
Moscow has reiterated its support for Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear enrichment and has blamed the current crisis on Washington’s withdrawal from the 2015 agreement. Russia has positioned itself as a diplomatic counterweight to US pressure on Tehran.
Shadow of the 2025 Conflict
The latest tensions come less than a year after a 12-day Israel-Iran air conflict in June 2025, during which the United States struck several Iranian nuclear sites. Despite those attacks, Iranian officials have declared that their nuclear program will continue unabated.
Iran has also strengthened its regional alliances and missile capabilities, raising the stakes of any future confrontation. A large-scale US campaign targeting Iranian leadership could trigger retaliatory strikes against American forces, regional allies, or global energy infrastructure.
How Close is War?
While Trump has reportedly not made a final decision, the combination of military deployments, high-level briefings, and stalled diplomacy suggests the crisis is entering a critical phase. Analysts caution that targeting senior Iranian leaders would mark a dramatic shift from containment to regime-change strategy — a move that could destabilize the broader Middle East.
At the same time, the administration appears to be leveraging military pressure to gain negotiating leverage. Whether this strategy results in renewed diplomacy or open conflict remains uncertain.
For now, the region watches as Washington weighs its options — with the possibility of war looming closer than at any point in recent years. Is this conversation helpful so far?
