In the midst of escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, President Donald Trump urged his national security team to explore military options against Iran. This came shortly after he had decided against immediate strikes.

A report by Anadolu English on January 21, 2026, indicated that Trump’s choice of words was motivating officials to devise plans that could significantly change Iran’s leadership, coinciding with the deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf.

U.S. officials revealed that Trump had repeatedly emphasized the need for decisive action in internal discussions, leading to the Pentagon drafting a spectrum of aggressive strategies, including potential efforts to replace Iran’s leadership.

While no military actions have been authorized yet and Trump’s final stance remains uncertain, the detailed planning suggests that the possibility of military intervention is being seriously considered, particularly in response to Iran’s violent repression of protesters.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated in an opinion piece that unlike Iran’s restraint shown in June 2025, their armed forces are prepared to retaliate fully in the event of a U.S. or Israeli attack. He warned that any renewed conflict would likely be drawn-out and catastrophic, affecting the entire region.

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