Trump stated that Tehran has up to two weeks to reach an agreement on its nuclear program
US plans for potential strikes on Iran are in an advanced stage, with options including targeting specific leaders and pursuing regime change, Reuters reported Friday, citing anonymous American officials.
The plans are being developed in case ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program fail to yield a result, the officials told the agency. Reuters previously reported that the Pentagon was preparing for a sustained, weeks-long operation focused on Iranian security and nuclear sites.
One official said targeted strikes on senior commanders during Israel’s 12-day air war against Iran last year had shown the “utility” of such an approach. The official warned that such operations require extensive intelligence to locate targets and assess potential collateral damage.
In June 2025, Israel killed dozens of senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, including the army chief of staff and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
US President Donald Trump has frequently raised the idea of toppling the Iranian government, saying it “seems like that would be the best thing that could happen.” He warned Thursday that “really bad things” would occur unless Iran complies with demands to abandon its nuclear and ballistic-missile programs.
Tensions persist as this week’s Omani-mediated talks in Geneva produced no breakthrough. On Thursday, Trump gave Iran 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement.
Washington has deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups and additional bombers to the Middle East. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned it would retaliate against US bases in the region if its territory is attacked.
Tehran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told MSNBC Friday that Tehran is working on a draft for a potential new agreement that could be presented to Washington within days. He said a diplomatic solution is the only way forward, while adding that the country is also “prepared for war.”
Moscow has warned that the standoff is “potentially explosive” and that strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites could cause a nuclear disaster, urging all sides to seek a peaceful settlement.