WASHINGTON: The U.S. military has developed detailed plans for potential action against Iran, including targeted strikes on key individuals and even regime change in Tehran, if ordered by President Donald Trump, two U.S. officials told Reuters. These plans follow previous reports that the United States is preparing for a sustained campaign against Iran’s nuclear and security infrastructure.
Officials said the military’s planning is advanced but provided few specifics on potential targets or methods for regime change without a large ground presence. Trump has in recent days publicly suggested that regime change in Iran could be desirable, marking a shift from his earlier criticism of past U.S. interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The U.S. has assembled significant military capabilities in the region, with warships, fighter jets, and bombers ready, recalling Trump’s 2020 approval of a strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Officials noted Israel’s success in targeting Iranian commanders last year as a model, though they stressed that precise intelligence is required for such operations.
While Trump has also expressed hope for diplomacy, Iran has warned it will respond decisively if attacked and previously threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil route. Negotiations continue, but U.S. officials expect Iranian retaliation in any conflict, raising the risk of regional escalation and casualties.
Amid rising tensions, oil prices have increased, and Russian warships are participating in Iranian drills in the Gulf of Oman, highlighting the growing stakes in the region’s security.
