WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump indicated openness to a limited military strike against Iran following the expiration of a ten-day ultimatum issued to Tehran, a move that has heightened tensions over the country’s nuclear program. “I am considering a targeted and limited attack,” Trump stated from the White House, according to reports, reigniting debate over the future of nuclear negotiations.
The potential for military action comes as diplomats prepare for another round of talks between Iranian and U.S. Negotiators, scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. The meeting was confirmed by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi via a social media post, signaling a continued, albeit fragile, diplomatic effort.
Concerns about the direction of U.S. Policy toward Iran have reportedly reached Israeli officials. Channel 12 News reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed worries to a U.S. Official following a recent meeting with Trump, fearing the U.S. President may be deviating from Israel’s preferred strategy regarding Iran.
While Trump has signaled a willingness to consider military options, Iranian officials have offered a more conciliatory tone. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke of “encouraging signals” emerging from recent negotiations, while emphasizing that Tehran remains vigilant and prepared for all possible scenarios. This assessment aligns with reports that Iran is prepared to make concessions on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and recognition of its right to enrich uranium, according to Reuters, citing a senior Iranian official.
The potential concessions under discussion include sending half of its highly enriched uranium abroad, diluting the remainder, and participating in a regional enrichment consortium. In return, Iran seeks U.S. Recognition of its right to “peaceful nuclear enrichment” and the lifting of economic sanctions. The official also indicated that Iran has offered opportunities for U.S. Companies to invest in Iran’s oil and gas industries as part of a broader economic package.
However, the latest discussions have also revealed a gap between the two sides regarding the scope and timeline for sanctions relief. According to the Iranian official, a “logical calendar” for the revocation of sanctions is needed, one that is “reasonable and based on mutual interests.”
The escalating tensions are occurring against a backdrop of broader regional instability. The European Union’s recent designation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization has prompted a strong response from Tehran, which has now designated the naval and air forces of EU member states as terrorist organizations, according to Iranian state media Mehr News Agency. This reciprocal designation has led Iranian officials to state that the presence of EU military forces in the Gulf region will now be viewed differently.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution, stating, “We do not need another war in this region,” upon arriving at a European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting. The EU has indicated its willingness to contribute to de-escalation efforts.
The New York Times reported that Trump has informed his advisors that, should diplomacy or a targeted strike fail to compel Iran to abandon its nuclear program, he is prepared to consider a larger-scale attack in the coming months, potentially aimed at removing Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. The upcoming talks in Geneva are therefore seen as a critical juncture in preventing further escalation.
