CNN reports that Donald Trump, the former U.S. president, is reviewing new military options against Iran after indirect talks over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs failed.
According to informed sources, this shift comes just weeks after Trump considered a potential military response to the violent crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran. CNN writes that on Wednesday, Trump called on Iran via the social media platform Truth Social to negotiate a “fair and nuclear-free” agreement and warned that any U.S. strike would be “more severe” than last summer’s attack, which targeted three Iranian nuclear sites.
The report says the options under consideration include airstrikes on senior Iranian officials as well as nuclear and government facilities. Although Trump has not made a final decision, the deployment of a new U.S. strike group to the region has expanded the military options available.
CNN also reports the arrival of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Indian Ocean, which could be used both for potential strikes and for protecting U.S. allies in the region.
The network adds that earlier this month, the U.S. and Iran exchanged indirect messages—mediated by Oman—about the possibility of a meeting to prevent military confrontation. However, these efforts did not result in direct talks between the two sides.
Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that Iran is rebuilding its nuclear facilities deeper underground and continues to resist halting uranium enrichment. The Islamic Republic has also denied inspections by the UN nuclear watchdog.
The U.S. has set conditions for any potential talks, including a permanent halt to uranium enrichment, limitations on its ballistic missile program, and ending support for regional proxy forces—demands that Tehran has rejected, leaving both sides at an impasse.
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that the Islamic Republic’s armed forces are ready to deliver an “immediate and decisive” response to any attack.
CNN concludes that, despite Iran being in a weaker position, there is no guarantee that a U.S. strike would lead to the collapse of the regime, and the consequences of such action remain uncertain.
