NYT: Trump weighs targeted Iran strike, broader action if diplomacy fails

2026-02-23 - 08:32

President Donald Trump is considering an initial targeted military strike against Iran and could pursue broader action aimed at toppling the country's leadership if diplomatic efforts fail, The New York Times reported Sunday, citing US officials familiar with internal deliberations. According to the newspaper, Trump has told advisers he would contemplate wider military action in the coming months if negotiations and any limited strike do not persuade Tehran to abandon its nuclear program. Thursday Talks as "Last-Ditch" US and Iranian negotiators are scheduled to meet Thursday in Geneva in what officials described as last-ditch talks to avert military conflict. The negotiations, mediated by Oman, follow earlier rounds held Feb. 6 in Muscat and Feb. 17 in Geneva. A third round is set for Feb. 26 in the Swiss city. The report said Trump has been leaning toward launching a targeted strike in the coming days to signal that Iranian leaders must give up nuclear weapons capability. Potential Targets Potential targets under consideration include the headquarters of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, nuclear facilities, and elements of the country's ballistic missile infrastructure. Officials said Trump indicated that if such measures fail, he would consider a larger-scale military operation later this year aimed at removing Iran's leadership. Some administration officials question whether that objective could be achieved through airstrikes alone. Options involving special operations forces conducting raids on hardened facilities have been set aside due to operational risks. Diplomatic Proposal Officials from both sides are also discussing a proposal that could avert escalation: allowing Iran to maintain a highly limited uranium enrichment program for medical research and treatment. Publicly, Trump has demanded "zero enrichment," while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insists Tehran retains its right under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to produce nuclear fuel. Military Buildup The talks occur amid a significant US military buildup in the region, with two aircraft carrier groups, fighter jets, bombers, and refueling aircraft deployed within range of Iran. Discussions about potential strikes were held in the White House Situation Room last week, attended by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.