US media outlets reported that the Pentagon has provided the US President with a broad range of military and covert options targeting Iran, including measures described as non-traditional.
According to CBS News, Pentagon officials stated that US President Donald Trump was briefed on a wide spectrum of military and covert options against Iran. Officials emphasised that these options go far beyond conventional air strikes.
Cyber and Psychological Operations Considered
US officials confirmed that the proposed measures include cyber operations and psychological campaigns aimed at disrupting Iranian leadership, communications, and media infrastructure. They stressed that no final decision has been taken regarding Iran and that diplomatic channels remain open.
US State Department Issues Travel Warnings
The US State Department called on American citizens to consider leaving Iran overland via Armenia or Turkey if it is safe to do so. It also warned US citizens in Iran to expect continued internet disruptions and to plan alternative means of communication. The department added that dual U.S.-Iranian nationals should leave Iran using Iranian passports.
The State Department further warned that US citizens in Iran face a significant risk of interrogation, arrest, and detention.
White House Deliberations Continue
In the same context, Axios reported that Trump is inclined to support military action against Iran but may allow diplomacy an additional opportunity. The outlet quoted a White House official saying that Trump leans towards a military strike to punish the Iranian leadership for the killing of protesters, but that no final decision has been made and proposals for negotiations are still under consideration. The official noted that some members of the Trump administration believe a strike on Iran could produce counterproductive outcomes.
The White House official added that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J. D. Vance are working on a package of options regarding Iran that ranges from diplomatic solutions to military operations, stressing that most of the proposals discussed so far are non military.
Diplomatic Push from Senior Advisers
In a related report, The Wall Street Journal cited US officials saying that several senior aides in President Trump’s administration, led by the vice president, are urging him to pursue diplomacy before launching any attacks on Iran. The newspaper reported that the White House is examining an offer from Iran to enter talks regarding its nuclear programme, while Trump appears to be considering authorising military action.
Limited Strike Signals Reported
For its part, The New York Times quoted US officials as saying that any strike would be intended to send a message to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei regarding the killing of protesters, and would not be aimed at the direct overthrow of the Iranian government.
Meanwhile, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told Trump that the Iranian leadership has crossed red lines and that the time has come for decisive action without deploying ground troops.
Economic Measures Announced Earlier
Earlier, Trump announced the imposition of 25 percent tariffs on any country that engages in trade with Iran, stating that the decision is final and comprehensive.
