Two Israeli and one American F-16 fighter jets fly alongside one another during a joint exercise in southern Israel in January 2022. (Israel Defense Forces)
Their warnings followed briefings describing potential targets linked to Tehran’s security forces, which have led the violent suppression of nationwide demonstrations.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
U.S. defense officials have cautioned President Donald Trump that American forces are not yet positioned for immediate action against Iran, even as the administration weighs military options in response to the country’s expanding unrest, the Telegraph reports.
Commanders stationed in the Middle East advised the White House that units must first reinforce key sites and tighten defensive preparations before any strike that could trigger Iranian retaliation.
Their warnings followed briefings describing potential targets linked to Tehran’s security forces, which have led the violent suppression of nationwide demonstrations.
The debate over timing has unfolded as protests against the Islamic Republic’s leadership intensify.
Security forces have opened fire on crowds in multiple cities, prompting renewed attention in Washington and discussions about possible U.S. involvement.
Trump has voiced readiness to intervene if the crackdown escalates further, writing on social media that “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
Trump received preliminary options that included hitting security figures responsible for crushing dissent or striking selected sites in Tehran that are viewed as central to the regime’s enforcement apparatus.
White House officials were also told that regional commanders fear quick retaliation, including the use of ballistic missiles or attacks by Iranian proxy groups.
According to The Wall Street Journal, senior administration officials plan to brief Trump again on Tuesday about a wider menu of responses, ranging from cyberattacks on Iranian government systems to additional sanctions or support for anti-government channels online.
The White House has not commented on those reports.
Some lawmakers urged restraint, warning that a military strike could unintentionally strengthen the regime. Sen. Rand Paul said on ABC that he was unsure “that bombing Iran will have the effect that is intended.” Sen. Mark Warner told Fox News that such action risked uniting Iranians “in a way that the regime has not been able to,” pointing to past U.S. involvement in Iran’s internal politics.
Iranian officials have said U.S. bases would be targeted if Washington launches an attack. But Sen. Lindsey Graham argued that Trump “needs to embolden the protesters and scare the hell out of the [Iranian] regime” as demonstrations continue to challenge the leadership.
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