The United States is weighing military options against Iran that could go far beyond strikes on nuclear facilities, with one scenario reportedly involving the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba Khamenei. The discussions come as President Donald Trump considers limited military action even while nuclear negotiations with Tehran remain ongoing.According to a report by Axios, a senior adviser said US officials have prepared options “for every scenario”. “One scenario takes out the Ayatollah and his son and the mullahs,” the adviser said, referring to Khamenei and Mojtaba, who is widely viewed as a potential successor. A second source told the outlet that the plan was floated to Trump several weeks ago. “What the president chooses no one knows. I don’t think he knows,” the adviser added.
Trump confirmed on Friday that he is weighing potential action. Asked whether the US could carry out limited strikes during negotiations, he replied: “I guess I can say I am considering that.” A day earlier, he said 10 to 15 days would be “enough time” for Iran to reach a deal.Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has signalled that Tehran is ready to move forward diplomatically. He said a draft proposal could be finalised within “the next two to three days” and that serious negotiations on the text might begin “in a matter of a week or so”. Araghchi insisted Iran was “prepared for diplomacy” as much as it was “prepared for war”.Meanwhile, the Pentagon has undertaken its largest military build-up in the Middle East in two decades. Additional warships, aircraft and air defence systems have been deployed, with two US aircraft carriers positioned at a distance from Iran. Hundreds of troops have been relocated from key bases, including Al Udeid in Qatar and installations in Bahrain.Experts warn that any attempt to target Iran’s leadership would be seen in Tehran as an existential threat. Iran has already told the United Nations that if attacked, US bases and assets in the region would become “legitimate targets”. With tens of thousands of American troops stationed across the Middle East, analysts caution that a strike aimed at regime figures could trigger a broader and far deadlier confrontation.
