Uncertainty clouds Washington
President Trump now faces a decisive moment regarding Iran. Ten days ago, he said the United States would intervene to protect Iranian protesters if authorities used violence. He declared American forces locked, loaded, and ready. Those statements came before the crackdown escalated. New reports reveal the full scale of the repression. The world watches to see how Trump will respond.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said only the president knows his next move. She added the world can keep guessing. That uncertainty now dominates global attention. Observers question how long this pause can continue.
Strong military options
Senior officials plan to brief Trump on Tuesday on potential actions. He told reporters on Air Force One that he reviewed “very strong options.” Recent success in Venezuela has bolstered confidence. He described the capture of Nicolas Maduro as one of the most successful U.S. operations in history. That achievement may make military intervention more tempting.
The United States can strike from a distance. Last summer, B-2 bombers flew long missions from Missouri to hit two major Iranian nuclear facilities. Washington could repeat such strikes or target regime officials responsible for the crackdown. Military planners likely maintain extensive target lists.
Covert measures and limits
Defense officials say responses could include covert methods, such as cyber operations or psychological campaigns. These aim to disrupt Iranian command structures. One option seems unlikely: a Caracas-style operation. Iran differs from Venezuela. Even weakened, its regime remains resilient. Recent American and Israeli strikes did not break its control. Removing a single leader would not reshape the country.
Trump also recalls past failures. He recently cited Jimmy Carter’s failed 1980 hostage rescue attempt. That mission ended in disaster when a helicopter collided with a transport aircraft in Iran’s desert. Eight American servicemen died. The failure humiliated the United States and contributed to Carter’s electoral loss.
Unclear objectives
Trump said last week that Carter had no chance after that disaster. Today, the question shaping policy is what the Trump administration hopes to achieve in Iran. Analysts say the goal remains unclear.
Will Todman, a Middle East expert, believes Trump wants to influence regime behavior rather than topple it. Todman doubts regime change is the primary objective due to extreme risks. Possible aims include nuclear concessions, halting the crackdown, or achieving limited reforms and sanctions relief.
Diplomacy versus action
Trump says Iranian officials have reached out to negotiate, seeking to maintain nuclear talks. Leavitt said public Iranian statements differ from private messages. She emphasized that diplomacy remains the first option. Officials told a leading U.S. newspaper that Vice-President JD Vance supports negotiations.
Vance told reporters Iran should engage seriously with Washington and clarify nuclear commitments. Yet ongoing violence complicates diplomacy. Talks risk appearing weak if repression continues. Todman warns delays could demoralize protesters. Reports of killings persist despite internet shutdowns. Trump may act before diplomatic channels conclude. Some believe limited strikes could inspire protesters and warn the regime.
Risks of limited strikes
Bilal Saab, a regional security expert, warns even limited strikes carry risks. They could embolden protesters but also strengthen regime supporters. Symbolic strikes could trigger nationalist reactions.
Trump faces complex calculations. Iran has threatened retaliation. Despite previous damage, Iran retains a substantial missile arsenal. Regional allies remain active. Groups in Yemen and militias in Iraq continue to pose threats. The Axis of Resistance remains operational.
Calls for decisive intervention
Some urge Trump to act boldly. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last monarch, proposes leading a transition. He told an American broadcaster that Trump must decide soon. He argued early intervention could save lives and end the regime’s rule.
His message sounds simple. White House officials know the reality is far more complicated.
