The Trump administration is reportedly preparing preliminary plans for a possible attack on Iran, including the option of large-scale airstrikes, reported The New York Post, citing the Wall Street Journal.
Officials are discussing how to follow through on President Trump’s recent threats against the Islamic Republic, including what sites might be targeted.
A massive aerial strike campaign on multiple Iranian military targets is one option being considered, though Washington has not reached consensus on a plan of action. No military equipment or personnel have been moved, and sources emphasised that the planning is routine.
President Trump has warned Iran against continuing to kill protesters and indicated that the United States stands ready to act. In a Truth Social post on Saturday (US local time), he wrote: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
Trump also cautioned Friday: “You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too.”
The US has previously struck Iranian territory. In June, the United States dropped at least six “bunker buster” bombs on three sites, including Iran’s Fordow nuclear enrichment plant, a deeply fortified facility hidden nearly 300 feet beneath a mountain. The bombing followed threats from Iran to use its nuclear capabilities against Israel during their 12-Day War and was coordinated with Israel’s own attacks on Tehran’s military infrastructure.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responded to the United States’ warnings by accusing Trump of having “hands stained with the blood of Iranians.” He told a crowd of supporters Friday: “[The terrorists] are ruining their own streets … in order to please the president of the United States because he said that he would come to their aid. He should pay attention to the state of his own country instead.”
Authorities in Iran have tightened their crackdown on nationwide protests, with the death toll rising to at least 65, including 50 protesters. Officials have warned that anyone providing aid to protesters will be considered “enemies of God,” a crime that carries a death penalty. Fears are growing that the true total of deaths may exceed 200.
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