The US administration is evaluating military strikes against Iranian security apparatuses and political figures to stimulate renewed internal uprising, Reuters reported, though regional partners remain doubtful that such an approach can successfully unseat the clerical government.
Two American sources indicated that President Donald Trump is attempting to engineer a environment for "regime change"following the violent suppression of a national protest movement earlier this month. This shift follows earlier administration considerations of using force to assist Iranian protesters who faced a violent crackdown by security forces.
According to CNN Trump is reviewing plans for a significant military strike on Iran following the collapse of nuclear negotiations, which Israel Hayom reported on earlier this week.
Despite previous claims that the Iranian nuclear program was "obliterated," intelligence indicates that Tehran is rebuilding facilities deep underground, according to CNN. The US continues to demand a permanent end to uranium enrichment and new limits on ballistic missiles, a requirement that Tehran has so far rejected.
Donald Trump and Iran's senior leadership. The president has warned the Islamic Republic of an impending attack / Morteza Nikoubazl via Reuters/AP_AFP_REUTERS
The strategy involves precision strikes on commanders and institutions deemed responsible for the deaths of thousands of protesters. This is intended to give the opposition the necessary momentum to seize control of state buildings – the report said.
According to CNN, the president is currently reviewing options that include aerial bombardments targeting Iranian government bodies, nuclear installations, and the security officials held accountable for protester deaths. While no definitive path has been chosen, the presence of a US carrier strike group in the vicinity has broadened his tactical choices, sources told the outlet.
Aide discussions also include the possibility of a much more extensive operation against nuclear enrichment facilities and ballistic missile sites – Reuters noted – which could have a permanent impact on Iranian military capabilities.
While planning is underway, no final decision has been made by Trump regarding whether to pursue a military solution – the publication reported – citing an American source.
The deployment of a US aircraft carrier and several warships to the Middle East has provided the president with a broader range of military options – Reuters reported – following his public warnings against Tehran's crackdowns.
However, Western diplomats and Arab officials expressed concern to Reuters that strikes might actually cripple the protest movement. They argued that the opposition is currently in shock after the most brutal repression since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Trump recently urged Iran to enter negotiations for a nuclear deal, Reuters reported, while characterizing the regional naval presence as an "armada." He cautioned that any future attack would be significantly more severe than past operations.
The Iranian UN mission stated they were open to dialogue "based on mutual respect and interests" but would defend the country "like never before" – according to the publication. Iran continues to label its nuclear program as civilian.
Previous US demands have included a total ban on uranium enrichment and curbs on Tehran's network of regional proxies – Reuters noted – though Trump has not publicly specified his current requirements.
Strategic hurdles
Israeli officials do not believe that air power is sufficient for regime collapse. according to the report. "If you're going to topple the regime, you have to put boots on the ground," a senior official from Israel told Reuters.
The official explained that the removal of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would likely result in him being replaced by a similar figure. He argued that only a blend of internal revolt and external pressure could change Iran's political direction.
While the Iranian leadership was shaken by the recent unrest, they remain in command, Reuters reported, despite the deep economic crisis. US intelligence reports have reached similar conclusions regarding the state's durability.
A Western source suggested that Trump's objective might be a change in leadership similar to the US approach in Venezuela, rather than a total "topple the regime" scenario – the report stated.
Human rights monitors like HRANA estimate the death toll at nearly 6,000 – the outlet reported – though official government figures claim the number is closer to 3,100. These statistics remain unverified.
