Planning documents reportedly circulating within the U.S. government include options for targeted strikes against Iranian figures and, in some scenarios, broader measures that could facilitate regime change. Two anonymous U.S. officials told Reuters these ideas are at the planning stage and would require presidential approval. President Trump has said he is 'considering' limited strikes and has given Tehran roughly '10–15 days' to reach a deal, while Iran insists limits on its short-range missiles are a red line. Negotiators say enrichment levels may be negotiable if substantial sanctions relief is offered.
Report: U.S. Planning Could Include Targeted Strikes on Iran — Regime-Change Options Also Considered
Potential US military strikes on Iran could target specific individuals, pursue regime change: report
U.S. planning documents reportedly include options to carry out narrowly tailored strikes against specific Iranian figures and, in some scenarios, to pursue actions intended to degrade or displace elements of Iran's leadership. The reporting, attributed to two U.S. officials speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, emphasizes that these concepts remain at the planning stage and would require presidential authorization.
What the Reports Say
According to the Reuters report, two anonymous U.S. officials said options ranging from targeted strikes to broader plans that could facilitate regime change have surfaced in internal planning discussions. The officials did not identify any prospective targets.
The USS Gerald R. Ford is heading to the Middle East as the U.S. is building up its military presence there, amid talks with Iran.(Reuters)
The report notes precedent: in 2020 President Donald Trump ordered a strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, then head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, illustrating that targeted actions against high-level Iranian figures have been carried out previously.
Presidential Comments and Timing
Fox News Digital and other outlets reported that President Trump has said he is 'considering' a limited military strike as a means to pressure Tehran in nuclear talks. He also warned that Tehran has roughly '10, 15 days' to reach an agreement, framing a narrow window for a diplomatic breakthrough.
In 2020, the Pentagon said President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. military strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, left, in Iraq.
Iran's Position and Red Lines
A Middle Eastern source familiar with the negotiations told Fox News Digital that Iran appreciates how close the risk of conflict feels and is unlikely to seek escalation at this moment. That source also said Iran views limits on its short-range missile program as a firm red line set by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei; negotiators reportedly lack authority to accept such restrictions, which would be seen domestically as a major concession.
By contrast, the source indicated there may be greater flexibility over uranium enrichment levels if substantial sanctions relief is part of any agreement.
Where Things Stand
Officials describe the military options as part of contingency planning rather than as imminent orders. U.S. agencies, including the White House and the Department of Defense, were contacted for comment, according to reporting. Diplomats and military planners continue to weigh risks and consequences as negotiations and preparations proceed.
Note: This article summarizes reporting from Reuters and Fox News Digital. Details remain fluid and are subject to change as events develop.
Help us improve.
