Trump Weighs Iran Strikes Amid Failed Nuclear Talks

The New York Times reported Trump discussed options, including an initial targeted strike on Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters, nuclear facilities, or ballistic missile infrastructure, to signal the necessity of abandoning nuclear weapons capability. If these measures fail, Trump indicated he would consider larger-scale military operations later this year aimed at removing Iran's leadership, though some administration officials question the feasibility of achieving this solely through airstrikes.

Diplomatic negotiations, mediated by Oman, are ongoing in Geneva, following earlier rounds in Muscat and Geneva, aiming to avert military conflict. A proposal allowing Iran a highly limited uranium enrichment program for medical research is under discussion, but both sides maintain firm public stances: Trump demands "zero enrichment," while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserts Iran's right to produce nuclear fuel under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

These discussions occur amidst a significant US military buildup in the region, including two aircraft carrier groups and various air assets.