Potential US military strikes on Iran could target specific individuals and even seek regime change, a report says.
Two American officials who spoken Reuters speaking on condition of anonymity, they were quoted as saying that these are options that emerged in the planning stages, at the behest of President Donald Trump. They did not say which individuals might be targeted, but Trump specifically in 2020 ordered the US military attack killing Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ elite Quds Force.
Trump said Friday he is “considering” a limited military strike on Iran to pressure its leaders into an agreement on its nuclear program, when asked by a White House reporter.
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President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in Washington. Trump said Friday he is “considering” a limited military strike on Iran. (Allison Robbert/AP)
Asked last week if he wanted regime change in Iran, the president said, “Well, it seems like that’s the best that can happen.”
Trump suggested Thursday that the window for a breakthrough in talks with Iran is shrinking, indicating that Tehran has no more than “10, 15 days, pretty much maximum” to reach an agreement.
“Either we’re going to make a deal, or it’s going to be unfortunate for them,” he said.
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The USS Gerald R. Ford is headed to the Middle East as the US builds up its military presence there amid talks with Iran. (U.S. Navy Central Command / U.S. 6th Fleet / Handout via Reuters)
However, the source said Iran cannot accept restrictions on its short-range missile program, describing the issue as a firm red line set by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iranian negotiators are not authorized to cross that line, and giving in to missiles would be seen internally as equivalent to losing a war.
In 2020, the Pentagon said President Donald Trump ordered the US military strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani (left) in Iraq. (Getty Images)
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The source indicated that there could be more flexibility on uranium enrichment parameters if sanctions relief is part of the equation.
