Trump aides draft military options for renewed Iran strikes: NYT
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- New York Times reports aides to Donald Trump have prepared scenarios for renewed military strikes on Iran if diplomatic deadlock continues.
- Options reportedly include expanded bombing campaigns, special forces operations, and high-risk missions targeting nuclear-linked sites.
Senior aides to Donald Trump have drawn up detailed military plans for a possible return to strikes on Iran if he decides to break the current diplomatic stalemate, according to the New York Times, citing US officials.
The report says the proposals remain under review and no decision has been made, with advisers stressing that the president has not approved any next steps.
According to officials quoted by the newspaper, the options being discussed include more intensive bombing campaigns targeting Iranian military infrastructure and facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The plans also reportedly include broader strike packages designed to hit strategic sites deeper inside Iranian territory, marking a potential escalation beyond previous US actions.
The New York Times reports that some military discussions have gone further, including the possible use of special operations forces in highly sensitive missions.
One scenario described by officials involves attempts to seize or disrupt facilities tied to Iran’s nuclear programme, including deeply buried materials that conventional airstrikes may not reach.
Officials also acknowledged that any attempt to hold strategic territory, such as Iran’s Kharg Island, would require a sustained ground presence and significant military resources.
US officials quoted in the report emphasised that the proposals are contingency plans and not active orders. They added that internal assessments suggest achieving a decisive military outcome in Iran would be highly complex and uncertain.
