Trump mulling new Iran strikes – media

The US president is reportedly considering targeting Iranian security forces and leaders to encourage renewed protests

US President Donald Trump is considering new military strikes against Iran with the aim of inspiring a renewed protest movement and as a response to failed denuclearization talks, according to media reports.

Two sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters that options include targeted strikes on Iranian security forces and leaders. The goal is to create conditions for “regime change” following weeks of violent protests, Reuters reported. CNN, citing its own sources, stated that Trump is also considering strikes on nuclear sites and government institutions.

Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether to take military action.

The planning comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US military posture in the region “could respond and potentially… preemptively prevent” an attack on American forces. During a Senate hearing, Rubio described Iran as “weaker than it has ever been” but acknowledged that any attempt at regime change would be “more complex” than in Venezuela, where the US abducted President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.

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A US carrier strike group, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, has recently moved into the region with Trump publicly warning Iran that “the next attack will be far worse” than the US bombing of its nuclear sites last June and urged it to “make a deal” on its nuclear program.

Iran, however, has dismissed Trump’s demands to “make a deal” and has instead declared that it is “200 percent” ready to defend itself in the cause of a new US attack.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that any US attack would be met with an “appropriate response, not a proportionate one,” and could target US bases in the region.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations also said Tehran “stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests – but if pushed, it will defend itself and respond like never before.”