Trump Considers Military Options, Including Potential Strikes Against Iranian Leadership

Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump has been briefed on military options that include targeted strikes against Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, according to reports from Axios and other news outlets. The potential actions are being considered as a response to ongoing tensions with Iran, particularly regarding its nuclear program.

Details of the Proposed Military Options

Senior administration officials have indicated that a range of scenarios are under consideration, including a plan to “seize out the ayatollah and his son and the mullahs,” as described by a senior Trump advisor to Axios . Mojtaba Khamenei is widely viewed as a potential successor to his father.

However, officials emphasize that no final decision has been made. “The President hasn’t decided to strike yet,” one advisor stated, adding that Trump could “wake up tomorrow and say, ‘That’s it.’” . The Pentagon has reportedly prepared multiple military options for the President’s consideration .

Context of Rising Tensions

These discussions occur amid heightened tensions between the U.S. And Iran, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear program. The second round of Iran-U.S. Negotiations, mediated by Oman, took place on February 17, 2026, in Geneva, with both sides reporting some progress . Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that further work would be done on texts that could form the basis of a potential deal.

Strategic Ambiguity

Another senior advisor has stated that Trump is deliberately maintaining strategic ambiguity, keeping his options open for potential action . The ultimate course of action remains uncertain, with one advisor noting, “What the president chooses no one knows. I don’t think he knows.”

As of February 21, 2026, no final decision on military action has been made.