

Trump seeks ‘decisive’ options for Iran as assets move into Middle East
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. WASHINGTON—After pulling back from strikes on Iran last week, President Trump is still pressing aides for what he terms “decisive" military options, U.S. officials said, as Iran appears to have tightened its control of the country and targets protesters through a crackdown that has killed thousands.
The discussions are happening while the U.S. sends an aircraft carrier and jet fighters to the Middle East. Those deployments may be the start of a broader buildup that would give Trump the firepower to strike Iran should he choose to use them.
Trump has repeatedly used the word “decisive" when describing what effect he would like any U.S. action to have on Iran, according to officials. That phrasing has spurred aides at the Pentagon and White House to refine a suite of options for the president, including some that would seek to push the regime out of power.
Officials also are devising more modest options, which could include targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities. Trump has yet to order strikes on Iran and what he ultimately will decide remains unclear, officials say. But the continued discussions show Trump hasn’t ruled out punishing Tehran for killing protesters in the midst of Iran’s spiraling economy.
Death-toll estimates vary, but U.S. officials say the number is likely far higher than the low-end totals of 2,000-3,000 deaths. Mike Waltz, the U.S.
ambassador to the United Nations, on Saturday cited the global institution’s assessment that Iranian authorities have killed up to 18,000 people. Asked Tuesday about whether the U.S. may yet strike Iran, Trump noted that the regime heeded Washington’s warnings and canceled plans to hang 837 people last week.
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