Donald Trump has told senior advisers that the United States could escalate military action against Iran, potentially including a broader campaign aimed at weakening or even toppling the country’s leadership, if diplomatic efforts and any initial targeted strikes fail to force Tehran to abandon its nuclear programme, according to a report by The New York Times citing people briefed on internal administration deliberations.

The report comes as nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue, even as both sides are preparing for another round of talks.

According to The New York Times, Trump has been leaning toward authorising an initial limited military strike in the coming days designed to demonstrate US resolve and compel Iran’s leadership to accept demands to give up the capability to develop a nuclear weapon.

People familiar with the discussions told the newspaper that potential targets under consideration include the headquarters of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), nuclear facilities, and elements of the country’s ballistic missile programme.

While no final decision has been made, the report said Trump has indicated to advisers that if such a strike or diplomatic pressure fails to produce concessions, he would consider a much larger military assault later this year.

That option, officials said, could be aimed at driving Iran’s leadership from power, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

DIPLOMACY CONTINUES AMID RISING MILITARY PRESSURE

Even as military options are discussed, the United States and Iran are set to hold a third round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, mediated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.

Albusaidi said negotiations were moving forward with “a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal," reflecting ongoing diplomatic engagement despite heightened tensions.

The United States has expanded its military presence in the Middle East, with Trump warning that “really bad things will happen" if a deal is not reached to resolve the longstanding dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News