US EditionUS strikes on Iran could target individual leaders, officials say
U.S. military plans include options for sustained strikes and targeting Iranian leaders, with regime change considered if ordered by President Trump, amid rising regional tensions.
- On Feb 20, 2026, U.S. military planning reached an advanced stage with options to target individuals and pursue regime change if ordered by President Donald Trump, two officials told Reuters.
- Amid concerns diplomacy may fail, U.S. officials cite longstanding objections to Iran's nuclear program and IRGC activities, referencing the 2020 strike on Qassem Soleimani and the 2019 IRGC designation as a foreign terrorist organization.
- A planned campaign could be a sustained, weeks-long operation striking Iranian security facilities and nuclear infrastructure, relying on U.S.-based bombers, warships, and fighter aircraft, while targeting individuals poses intelligence challenges.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned it could retaliate against U.S. bases, and Tehran told the U.N. on Thursday it would "respond decisively and proportionately" as oil prices rose and a Russian warship joined drills in the Gulf of Oman.
- Beyond immediate strikes, U.S. officials signaled a potential action window of no more than 10 days, with bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Turkey risking retaliation and threats to the Strait of Hormuz.
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U.S. President Donald Trump was informed of military options that included an attack on Iran's top leader, Ali Khamenei, and his son, Mojtaba Khameni. Article Donald Trump takes into account the killing of Khameni and his son in an possible attack on Iran for the first time in Romania TV.
‘Khamenei Assassination To Token Nuclear Enrichment’: Report Flags Trump’s Iran Options
The Pentagon has reportedly presented Donald Trump with multiple military contingencies amid escalating tensions with Tehran. "They have something for every scenario. One scenario takes out the ayatollah and his son and the mullahs," an adviser has reportedly said.
Trump open to ‘token’ Iran enrichment deal as military options stay on table: Report
US officials say any Iranian offer must be 'very detailed,' prove nuclear program is 'benign,' as Trump reviews military options including scenarios targeting Iran’s supreme leader, his son - Anadolu Ajansı
'Take out AYATOLLAH, HIS SON & MULLAHS!': Trump ‘weighs’ deadly strike as US-Iran tensions explode
Amid escalating US-Iran tensions, an explosive report revealed that US President Donald Trump has reviewed extreme military options, including the possible targeted killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba Khamenei. The US Department of Defense has reportedly presented multiple strike scenarios, with advisers saying planners have contingency plans for nearly every escalation.
'The Ayatollah, his son, the mullahs' - Donald Trump's Iran 'options' revealed as world holds breath for US strikes
Donald Trump has been handed a series of "options" in the event he orders an attack on Iran.With aircraft carriers, drones and various other military assets steaming towards the Middle East - though not via British bases - it appears the President may soon take action.Overnight, close Trump allies revealed the Pentagon had presented him with a list of ideas."They have something for every scenario," one adviser told Axios. TRENDING Stories Video…
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