Potential US military strikes on Iran could target specific individuals, pursue regime change: report

Potential U.S.military strikeson Irancould target specific individuals and even pursue regime change, a report said. 

Two U.S.officials whospoke toReuterson condition of anonymity reportedly said those are options that have emerged in the planning stage, if ordered by President Donald Trump.They did not say which individuals could be targeted, but Trump, notably, in 2020ordered the U.S.military attackthat killed Iranian Gen.Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ elite Quds Force. 

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Trump already said Friday that he is “considering” a limited military strike on Iran to pressure its leaders into a deal over its nuclear program, when asked by a reporter at the White House.

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President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing at the White House, on Friday, Feb.20, 2026, in Washington.Trump said Friday he is “considering” a limited military strike on Iran.(Allison Robbert/AP)

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Last week, when questioned if he wanted regime change in Iran,the president said,“Well it seems like that would be the best thing that could happen.” 

Trump on Thursday suggested thewindow for a breakthrough is narrowingin talks with Iran, indicating Tehran has no more than “10, 15 days, pretty much maximum” to reach an agreement. 

“We’re either going to get a deal, or it’s going to be unfortunate for them,” he said.

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The USS Gerald R.Ford is heading to the Middle East as the U.S.is building up its military presence there, amid talks with Iran.(U.S Naval Forces Central Command / U.S.6th Fleet / Handout via Reuters)

  

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However, the source said Iran cannot accept limitations on its short-range missile program, describing the issue as a firm red line set by Supreme LeaderAli Khamenei. 

Iranian negotiators are not authorized to cross that boundary, and conceding on missiles would be viewed internally as equivalent to losing a war.

In 2020, the Pentagon said President Donald Trump ordered the U.S.military strike that killed Iranian Gen.Qassem Soleimani, left, in Iraq.(Getty Images)

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The source indicated there may be more flexibility about uranium enrichment parameters if sanctions relief is part of the equation. 

� Emma Bussey and Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.