WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) — President Trump is considering a significant new round of military strikes against Iran after preliminary discussions between Washington and Tehran on curbing the country’s nuclear program and ballistic missile production failed to advance, according to people familiar with the matter.
Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
Options under review include airstrikes targeting Iranian leaders and security officials accused of responsibility for deaths during recent anti-government protests, as well as attacks on nuclear facilities and government institutions, the sources said.
Trump has not reached a final decision, but he believes his military options have broadened since earlier this month with the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and its carrier strike group in the Middle East region, the sources added.
The deployment, confirmed by U.S. Central Command earlier this week, positions the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and accompanying warships closer to potential operational areas amid escalating tensions. The carrier strike group entered the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility after being redirected from the Indo-Pacific.
Trump intensified pressure on Iran in a Wednesday post on Truth Social, describing a “massive armada” led by the Abraham Lincoln as “ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary.” He urged Tehran to negotiate “a fair and equitable deal — NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS” and warned that the next U.S. attack would be “far worse” than strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last June.
Those earlier strikes, which targeted key enrichment facilities, were described by Trump as having “completely and totally obliterated” parts of Iran’s program, though assessments vary on the long-term setback.
Iran has rejected the threats, with its foreign minister stating that its armed forces are prepared to respond “immediately and powerfully” to any attack.
The renewed focus follows widespread anti-government protests in Iran, marked by violent crackdowns that drew international condemnation. Trump has linked potential action to both the nuclear issue and the regime’s handling of dissent.
U.S. officials have emphasized that no decision has been made on military action, and the carrier’s presence supports regional security and deterrence. The buildup includes additional assets to protect allies from possible Iranian retaliation.
Discussions on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and missile capabilities remain stalled, with Trump demanding a permanent end to uranium enrichment and other concessions.