A British news agency has claimed that the United States could directly target senior Iranian leadership in the event of a military strike, as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensify over Iran’s nuclear program.
According to the report, the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group has entered the Mediterranean Sea, signaling a significant expansion of US military deployment in the region. Additional American fighter jets have reportedly taken positions at air bases in Portugal and Jordan, with at least 60 aircraft stationed in Jordan alone.
Alleged US Strategy Against Iran
The report claims that the US military may pursue options aimed at weakening or destabilizing Iran’s leadership if diplomatic negotiations collapse. Unconfirmed reports suggest that contingency plans could include targeting high-ranking Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
However, there has been no official confirmation from Washington regarding such claims.
US President Donald Trump recently issued a reported 10- to 15-day ultimatum urging Iran to agree to a new nuclear deal. According to US media reports, Trump may be open to allowing Iran to continue limited civilian nuclear energy activities—provided Tehran formally commits to never developing nuclear weapons.
If Iran refuses Washington’s conditions, senior US officials indicate that stronger military options remain on the table.
Also Read: Middle East tension surges as US weighs Iran strike
Iran’s Response to Growing Pressure
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that global powers are attempting to pressure Iran into submission but vowed that Tehran would not bow to international coercion.
Iran has reportedly prepared for both diplomatic engagement and potential military escalation, as fears of conflict grow across the Middle East.
Increased US Military Presence in Middle East
The Pentagon has reportedly developed multiple contingency plans for worst-case scenarios. Senior US officials claim that President Trump is willing to negotiate a politically acceptable agreement but expects a clear and irreversible commitment from Iran regarding its nuclear ambitions.
The growing US military buildup has further heightened geopolitical tensions, weakening hopes for a purely diplomatic resolution to the Iran nuclear dispute.
Observers warn that continued escalation could destabilize the region and impact global oil markets, security alliances, and diplomatic relations.
