Trump Weighs Targeted Strikes on Iran as Allies Question Effectiveness

President Donald Trump is considering the option of launching targeted military strikes against Iranian leaders and key security forces, a move he believes could embolden protesters and weaken the Islamic Republic’s grip on power, according to a Reuters report.
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‎Sources familiar with the discussions said the idea behind the proposed strikes is to send a strong signal of U.S. resolve while boosting public confidence inside Iran, potentially encouraging demonstrators to challenge government authority and overrun state and security buildings.
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‎However, Arab and European officials briefed on the deliberations have expressed deep skepticism about the strategy. They argue that airstrikes alone are unlikely to bring down Iran’s leadership or trigger a sustained uprising, even if they temporarily energize protest movements.
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‎“These officials doubt that military pressure without a broader political and social strategy would achieve regime change,” Reuters reported, noting concerns that strikes could instead rally nationalist sentiment around the Iranian government.
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‎The discussions come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with relations deteriorating over Iran’s nuclear program, regional activities, and the collapse of diplomatic efforts. While no final decision has been announced, the reported deliberations underscore the growing debate within U.S. policy circles over how far to go in confronting Iran.
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‎For now, allies appear cautious, warning that limited military action could carry significant risks without delivering the political outcomes Washington hopes to achieve.