Decision time in Washington
President Trump faces a defining choice on Iran. Ten days ago, he warned the United States would step in to protect Iranian protesters if authorities used violence. He said American forces were locked, loaded, and ready to act. At that moment, the crackdown had not fully escalated. Now, reports reveal the full scale of repression. The world watches for Trump’s next move.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said only the president knows his plans. She added the world can keep guessing. Uncertainty now dominates Washington. Observers question how long patience can hold.
Military options under consideration
Senior officials will brief Trump on Tuesday about potential courses of action. He told reporters on Air Force One that he had reviewed “very strong options.” Confidence from recent events in Venezuela may shape his thinking. He described the capture of Nicolas Maduro as one of the United States’ most successful operations. That success could make military intervention more appealing.
The United States can strike from a distance. Last summer, B-2 bombers flew long missions from Missouri to hit two major Iranian nuclear sites. Washington could repeat these strikes or target regime leaders responsible for the crackdown. Military planners likely maintain extensive target lists.
Covert strategies and limitations
Defense officials suggest responses could include covert measures. Cyber operations and psychological campaigns could disrupt Iranian command networks. One scenario seems unlikely: a Caracas-style operation. Iran is not Venezuela. Even weakened, the regime remains resilient. Recent U.S. and Israeli strikes did not break control. Removing a single leader would not reshape the country.
Trump also recalls past failures. He recently cited Jimmy Carter’s 1980 failed hostage rescue attempt. That mission ended in disaster when a helicopter collided with a transport aircraft in Iran’s desert. Eight American servicemen died. The failure humiliated the United States and contributed to Carter’s election loss.
Strategic objectives remain unclear
Trump told reporters last week that Carter had no chance after that failure. Today, the central question is what the administration hopes to achieve in Iran. Analysts say Trump’s ultimate goal remains uncertain.
Will Todman, a Middle East analyst, believes Trump wants to influence regime behavior rather than topple it. Todman doubts full regime change is the main aim, citing extreme risks. Possible objectives include nuclear concessions, halting the crackdown, or achieving limited reforms and sanctions relief.
Diplomatic pressures grow
Trump says Iranian officials have reached out to negotiate, seeking to maintain nuclear talks. Leavitt said public Iranian statements differ from private messages. She emphasized diplomacy remains the first option. Officials told a leading U.S. newspaper that Vice-President JD Vance supports negotiations.
Vance told reporters Iran should negotiate seriously and clarify nuclear commitments. Ongoing violence complicates diplomacy. Talks risk appearing weak while repression continues. Todman warns that delays could demoralize protesters. Reports of killings persist despite internet blackouts. Trump may act before diplomacy concludes. Some believe limited strikes could embolden protesters and warn the regime.
Risks of limited action
Bilal Saab, a regional security expert, warns even limited strikes carry risks. They could embolden protesters but also strengthen regime supporters. Symbolic or isolated strikes may trigger nationalist rallies.
Trump faces complex calculations. Iran has threatened retaliation. Despite previous damage, Iran retains a large missile arsenal. Regional allies remain active. Groups in Yemen and militias in Iraq continue to pose threats. The Axis of Resistance remains operational.
Calls for decisive intervention
Some urge Trump to act boldly. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last monarch, proposes leading a transition. He told an American broadcaster that Trump must decide soon. He argued early intervention could save lives and bring down the regime.
His message sounds simple. White House officials know the reality is far more complicated.
