WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is considering escalating military options against Iran, including a large-scale strike, if ongoing diplomatic efforts and targeted actions fail to compel the country to abandon its nuclear program. The New York Times reported Saturday that Trump discussed the possibility of a more forceful attack with advisors in recent days, as negotiations between U.S. And Iranian delegations reach a critical juncture.
Talks are scheduled to resume Thursday in Geneva, representing what officials describe as a final attempt to avert military conflict. According to the Times, Trump is leaning towards authorizing a strike in the coming days to demonstrate U.S. Resolve and pressure Iran to relinquish its nuclear ambitions. Should diplomacy prove unsuccessful, Trump is prepared to authorize a military operation later this year aimed at removing Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, from power.
The urgency comes as Khamenei has reportedly issued directives to establish a succession plan for the Iranian leadership, anticipating potential scenarios including his own removal. The Times reported that Khamenei has tasked Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, with “ensuring the survival of the Islamic Republic,” and that Iranian armed forces are preparing for potential retaliatory strikes against Israel and U.S. Bases in the Middle East by deploying ballistic missile batteries.
The Trump administration, meanwhile, is signaling a continued commitment to negotiations, but with firm conditions. Axios reported that officials have indicated a willingness to engage in another round of talks in Geneva, contingent upon receiving a “detailed proposal” from Tehran by Tuesday for a nuclear agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed optimism about the prospects for a deal, stating, “There are good possibilities for an agreement,” and confirming the potential for Thursday’s meeting.
Oman, acting as a mediator, has also confirmed the scheduled talks. U.S. Sources emphasize that this round of negotiations may be “the last chance” Trump will grant Iran before authorizing a “massive military operation” conducted jointly with Israel. The U.S. Has already deployed a significant military presence to the region, including fighter jets, warships and missile launchers, poised for action. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, described the president as “curious and surprised” by Tehran’s continued resistance despite the mounting pressure.
Concurrent with the diplomatic efforts, protests are escalating within Iran. Demonstrations and sit-ins have erupted in universities across the country, met with a forceful response from security forces, resulting in numerous arrests, according to student collectives.
In June 2025, President Trump threatened legal action against CNN and The New York Times over their reporting on U.S. Airstrikes in Iran, alleging defamation. An attorney representing Trump sent legal letters demanding retractions of reports that contradicted the administration’s claims about the strikes’ impact on Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Both CNN and The New York Times rejected the demands, maintaining the accuracy of their reporting. The New York Times stated unequivocally, “No retraction is needed. No apology will be forthcoming. We told the truth to the best of our ability. We will continue to do so.”
The Iranian government has also taken retaliatory measures, designating the naval and air forces of European Union member states as terrorist organizations, according to ANSA.
