SAEDNEWS: A U.S. newspaper reported that during a confidential White House meeting, the option of a “preemptive military strike” against Iran was discussed. The President warned that if negotiations fail, the likelihood of escalating military measures is seriously on the table in today’s Washington.
According to SaedNews, the New York Times reported that former President Donald Trump, during a meeting in the White House Situation Room with senior security and military officials, reviewed various options—including a “major military strike” against Iran.
Citing ILNA, the report states that Trump told his advisers that if diplomatic efforts or an initial limited strike fail to compel Iran to meet Washington’s demands regarding its nuclear program, he would not rule out the possibility of a broader attack in the coming months.
The newspaper claims that potential targets under discussion included the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ command centers, nuclear facilities, and infrastructure related to Iran’s ballistic missile program.
The report comes ahead of scheduled meetings between U.S. and Iranian delegations in Geneva in the coming days—negotiations some view as a last chance to prevent escalating tensions.
The New York Times, citing informed sources, suggests that Trump may consider an “initial strike” to increase psychological and political pressure on Tehran if talks fail.
The report also notes that doubts exist within the U.S. administration about whether airstrikes could achieve their stated objectives. Some military officials highlighted the difficulty of striking Iran’s deeply buried and underground facilities.
According to the report, the White House meeting included Trump, the Vice President, the Secretary of State, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the CIA Director, who discussed operational considerations and potential consequences of each option.
Another part of the report mentions a new proposal under consideration allowing Iran to conduct nuclear enrichment only in a very limited framework for research and medical purposes—a plan whose acceptance by either side remains uncertain.
The report’s release coincides with increased U.S. military activity in the region and the deployment of naval and air assets near Iran.
Experts suggest that raising the idea of an “initial strike” may be part of a psychological strategy running parallel to the negotiations, the outcome of which could influence the region’s future trajectory.
