The United States is weighing the possibility of a prolonged military campaign against Iran if President Donald Trump authorises the use of force, according to Reuters reports citing two US officials familiar with the matter.The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters contingency planning includes scenarios involving operations that could last several weeks — a scale that would mark a sharp escalation compared to previous confrontations between Washington and Tehran.
The development comes even as diplomatic efforts continue over Iran’s nuclear programme. US and Iranian representatives met in Oman last week, and additional discussions are expected soon.
Meanwhile, in Munich, Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi voiced support for potential US military action, arguing it could ultimately prevent further bloodshed.Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, where Iranian government officials were not present, Pahlavi urged Washington not to extend negotiations indefinitely with Tehran’s clerical establishment.“It’s a matter of time. We are hoping that this attack will expedite the process and the people can be finally back in the streets and take it all the way to the ultimate regime’s downfall,” Pahlavi said.Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran’s former shah who was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, claimed there were indications that the current leadership in Tehran was under strain and suggested military pressure could hasten political change.Iran has faced widespread unrest following protests that erupted on December 28 in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over economic hardship before spreading across the country. Authorities have since responded with a sweeping crackdown, detaining thousands in what has been described as the most severe unrest since 1979.Iran’s opposition landscape remains deeply divided, with monarchists backing Pahlavi among several competing factions, and it lacks a strong, unified structure inside the country.In remarks to Reuters last month, Trump questioned the extent of Pahlavi’s domestic support within Iran.Addressing US troops in North Carolina recently, Trump said negotiations with Iran over its nuclear activities had been challenging and indicated that projecting strength — and possibly fear — might be necessary to secure a peaceful outcome.
