Feb 22 • 21:14 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

New York Times: Trump Keeps Option of Targeting Iranian Leader If Negotiations Fail

The New York Times reports that President Trump is contemplating military action against Iran, including targeting its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, should Tehran fail to meet U.S. demands during ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

The New York Times revealed that President Donald Trump informed his advisors about considering a military attack on Iran if Tehran does not comply with Washington’s demands in the current diplomatic talks. This potential strike could target significant locations within Iran, including the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard and the country’s nuclear facilities. Trump expressed that these military options are still on the table as part of the larger strategy aimed at pressuring Iran to meet American expectations.

The report further suggests a cautious approach from within the Trump administration, as there are doubts regarding the feasibility of achieving regime change solely through airstrikes. Furthermore, the article underscores that behind the scenes, there is contemplation of a new proposal from both sides that might create a diplomatic exit from the looming military confrontation, such as a very limited nuclear enrichment program that Iran could conduct solely for medical and therapeutic research purposes.

As U.S. negotiators prepare for upcoming talks, the tension remains high, highlighting the precarious nature of the situation where military action and diplomatic solutions coexist. The implications of these discussions could drastically reshape U.S.-Iran relations and potentially escalate into broader conflict if diplomatic avenues fail, as the administration reviews its strategies regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

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