Donald Trump Weighs Escalating Military Action Against Iran If Nuclear Talks Fail: Report

Last Updated:February 23, 2026, 07:08 IST

Donald Trump is considering military strikes, and potentially a larger campaign, to pressure Iran into abandoning its nuclear programme if diplomacy fails, a report claimed.

Donald Trump has told senior advisers that the United States could escalate military action against Iran, potentially including a broader campaign aimed at weakening or even toppling the country’s leadership, if diplomatic efforts and any initial targeted strikes fail to force Tehran to abandon its nuclear programme, according to a report by The New York Times citing people briefed on internal administration deliberations.

The report comes as nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue, even as both sides are preparing for another round of talks.

According to The New York Times, Trump has been leaning toward authorising an initial limited military strike in the coming days designed to demonstrate US resolve and compel Iran’s leadership to accept demands to give up the capability to develop a nuclear weapon.

People familiar with the discussions told the newspaper that potential targets under consideration include the headquarters of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), nuclear facilities, and elements of the country’s ballistic missile programme.

While no final decision has been made, the report said Trump has indicated to advisers that if such a strike or diplomatic pressure fails to produce concessions, he would consider a much larger military assault later this year.

That option, officials said, could be aimed at driving Iran’s leadership from power, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

DIPLOMACY CONTINUES AMID RISING MILITARY PRESSURE

Even as military options are discussed, the United States and Iran are set to hold a third round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, mediated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.

Albusaidi said negotiations were moving forward with “a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal," reflecting ongoing diplomatic engagement despite heightened tensions.

The United States has expanded its military presence in the Middle East, with Trump warning that “really bad things will happen" if a deal is not reached to resolve the longstanding dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a cautiously optimistic tone, saying recent negotiations had yielded “encouraging signals," while also stressing Tehran’s readiness for “any potential scenario."

WASHINGTON DEMANDS CONCESSIONS; TEHRAN PUSHES BACK

Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, who leads US nuclear negotiations, said the President was puzzled by Iran’s refusal to yield under pressure.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded sharply on social media, saying, “Curious to know why we do not capitulate? Because we are Iranian."

Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful and has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons.

POSSIBLE COMPROMISES AND KEY STICKING POINTS

Iran is considering fresh concessions, including sending half of its highly enriched uranium stockpile abroad while diluting the remainder, provided economic sanctions are lifted, and its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment is recognised.

However, significant disagreements remain.

Washington wants broader negotiations covering Iran’s missile programme and its support for regional armed groups, demands Tehran has publicly rejected, though sources told Reuters that support for armed groups may not be a firm red line.

Another major obstacle involves the scope and mechanism for lifting US sanctions, with both sides still holding differing views.

Witkoff also warned that Iran’s uranium enrichment levels had reached about 60 per cent fissile purity, saying the country was “probably a week away from having industrial, industrial-grade bomb-making material," which he described as “really dangerous."

News world Donald Trump Weighs Escalating Military Action Against Iran If Nuclear Talks Fail: Report

Read More