The United States has amassed a powerful military force in the Middle East within reach of Iran. Now President Donald Trump must decide how to use that force.
Anonymous sources told The Wall Street Journal about this.
US warships and aircraft continue to arrive in the Middle East, forming one of the most powerful concentrations of US forces in the region in recent years. The Trump administration is discussing further steps regarding Iran – from destroying its nuclear program and missile capabilities to scenarios that could lead to the collapse of the current regime.
According to officials, Trump has instructed to prepare quick and decisive options for action that would not drag the United States into a protracted war. The ideal scenario, according to the White House, would be to force Tehran to agree to Washington's nuclear demands and stop the repression of anti-government protesters.
Options under discussion include a large-scale bombing campaign against regime and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets, as well as more limited strikes on symbolic targets. Separately, the possibility of using the threat of force as a tool to achieve diplomatic concessions is being considered.
Trump himself has said that American ships “can sail anywhere, including near Iran,” stressing that he would prefer not to use military force. At the same time, he has publicly outlined two key demands for Tehran: giving up nuclear weapons and stopping the killing of protesters.