President Trump is at a crossroads regarding Iran. Ten days ago, he expressed readiness to intervene if the Iranian government used violence against its protestors. 'The US is locked and loaded,' he said, prior to the escalation of violence in Iran. With the crackdown now evident, the global community awaits Trump's response.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, 'Nobody knows what President Trump is going to do except for President Trump. The world can keep waiting and guessing.' However, this uncertainty may end soon as senior officials are poised to brief Trump on potential actions.
Commenting on Air Force One, Trump mentioned considering 'some very strong options.' With the recent successful operation in Venezuela - notably the capture of Nicolas Maduro - the potential for military intervention is heightened. Past actions have shown America's ability to execute distant military strikes, such as B-2 bombers targeting Iran's nuclear sites.
Options under consideration include targeted regime attacks or more covert methods like cyber operations to destabilize Iran's command. Despite these possibilities, a direct military intervention similar to the one in Caracas seems unlikely, as Iran poses a more formidable challenge than Venezuela.
Reflecting on history, President Trump has evoked Jimmy Carter's failed 1980 rescue mission in Iran, underlining the risks of ground interventions. This operation's failure played a significant role in Carter's electoral loss.
The broader question is about Washington's objectives in dealing with Iran. Will Todman from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies opines that inducing behavioral change in the Iranian regime seems more feasible than seeking regime change, which carries high risks. Possible aims include advancing nuclear talks, curtailing the crackdown, or initiating reforms for sanctions relief. President Trump has hinted that elements within Iran are open to negotiation.