White House : Reviews Expanded Military Scenarios as Pressure on Iran Intensifies

White House: President Donald Trump has been briefed on a widened set of military options aimed at Iran, reflecting a sharper turn in U.S. contingency planning, according to a report by The New York Times. The newly presented scenarios go beyond earlier discussions and include steps that could directly target Iran’s strategic capabilities and political leadership.

Broader Scope of Military Planning

Officials familiar with the briefings said the updated proposals are intended to cause more substantial damage to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs or to weaken the authority of the country’s supreme leader. These plans mark a notable escalation compared with options reviewed earlier in the month, when deliberations were more limited in scope.

Shift From Earlier Objectives

Roughly two weeks ago, the administration’s focus was centered on addressing public commitments made by the president, particularly calls to stop the killing of protesters by Iranian security forces and aligned militias. Since then, U.S. officials said the internal discussions have evolved as conditions on the ground in Iran have changed.

Potential for Direct U.S. Action Inside Iran

Among the measures now under consideration are scenarios that could involve American forces operating on Iranian territory. These include targeted raids on critical facilities tied to nuclear or missile development. Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of military planning, noted that the suppression of widespread protests in Iran has altered the strategic context of these talks.

Pentagon Signals Stronger Deterrence

During a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered a blunt warning to Tehran. He emphasized the administration’s readiness to act militarily as the United States continues to deploy additional naval and air assets across the Middle East amid growing concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Warning Against Nuclear Weapons Pursuit

Hegseth cautioned Iran against advancing toward nuclear weapons capability, stating that the United States is prepared to meet whatever expectations the president places on the War Department. His remarks underscored a broader message of deterrence and military preparedness designed to dissuade Tehran from further escalation.

Citing Past Operations as a Message

To illustrate U.S. military capacity, Hegseth referenced a recent operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife. He described the mission as unprecedented in complexity and execution, arguing that it demonstrated the unique authority granted to U.S. forces under the current administration. According to Hegseth, such operations are meant to send a clear signal of American resolve worldwide.

Naval Movements and Presidential Messaging

The heightened rhetoric followed a post by President Trump on the social media platform Truth Social, where he said a large U.S. naval formation was heading toward Iran. He referred to the deployment as a “massive armada” led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and urged Tehran to return to negotiations.

Reference to Previous Strikes

In his message, Trump warned that time was running short for diplomacy and reiterated his demand for an agreement that would permanently bar Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He also pointed to earlier U.S. military action, including a June 2025 campaign in which American forces, working alongside Israel, struck multiple Iranian nuclear facilities. U.S. officials said those strikes significantly disrupted Iran’s nuclear capabilities, a precedent now shaping current deliberations.