The US is considering “targeted strikes“ against senior Iranian officials and commanders it believes are involved in killings of protesters, Middle East Eye reported, citing a government official in Tehran.
According to MEE, the US could launch strikes this week. However, the official did not rule out the possibility that US plans could change.
A former US intelligence official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Middle East Eye that Trump may not have abandoned the idea of regime change in Iran. He made this conclusion based on conversations within the US administration.
In addition, the former US intelligence official said that the US has increased the supply of interceptor missiles that could be used in further strikes against Iran.
In an interview with Axios on January 26, Donald Trump said that the situation with Iran is “in the process of changing“. However, the American leader believes that Tehran wants a deal.
It is believed that Trump has not yet made a final decision on Iran. This week, he may hold consultations that will present him with “additional military options.”
Meanwhile, American officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Axios that any deal with the Islamic Republic would have to include removing enriched uranium from Iran, banning enrichment, limiting its stockpile of long-range missiles, and changing its policy on supporting “regional proxy groups.” The article states that Tehran has signaled its willingness to engage with Washington. However, there is no indication that it intends to accept these terms.
In December 2025, mass protests erupted in Iran, sparked by dissatisfaction with the country’s economic situation. Tehran has accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the unrest.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to strike the republic if the authorities begin to crack down on the protests. However, after consulting with allies, Trump changed his mind, The Wall Street Journal reported. According to the newspaper, Israel and Arab countries opposed the attack, considering the timing inappropriate.
The American leader himself claims that he was convinced not to strike Iran after the country canceled several executions.