Overview
U.S. leadership is actively weighing a narrowly focused military strike on Iran as a tool to press Tehran toward a nuclear agreement, according to people familiar with the situation. The plan under discussion envisions an opening assault limited to a small number of military or government facilities and is intended to avoid escalating into an all-out campaign.
Operational intent and scope
Those briefing the matter describe the proposed opening action as deliberately restrained - it would target only a handful of sites and would stop short of a full-scale military campaign. The stated aim of such a limited strike would be to compel Iran to curb its nuclear enrichment activities while still leaving diplomatic avenues available.
Decision status and options
The president has not finalized a course of action and continues to weigh a spectrum of options. These range from a limited series of strikes to larger-scale operations that could reach regime facilities. In public remarks earlier on Thursday he said he would decide on next steps within about 10 days.
Senior aides have repeatedly put forward the limited-strike option as one approach, though recent internal discussions have also examined more expansive military alternatives.
Warnings and potential consequences
U.S. officials have cautioned that any strike carries the possibility of substantial Iranian retaliation and could pull Washington deeper into broader conflict in the Middle East. Iranian authorities have warned they would respond forcefully to any U.S. attack.
Key points
- The administration is considering a limited initial strike aimed at a small number of military or government sites.
- Any strike is intended to pressure Iran to limit its nuclear enrichment while keeping diplomacy possible.
- Options under review range from constrained strikes to broader campaigns targeting regime facilities.
Risks and uncertainties
- Possible significant Iranian retaliation, which could affect regional stability and markets tied to the Middle East.
- Risk of Washington becoming more deeply engaged in an extended Middle East conflict.
- Uncertainty over final decision timing and the scope of any operation - no final determination has been made.