Fatma Zehra Solmaz
February 20, 2026•Update: February 20, 2026
ISTANBUL
US President Donald Trump is considering a limited military strike on Iran in a bid to pressure Tehran into agreeing to a new nuclear deal, a report said Thursday.
The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, said the initial operation — if approved — could take place within days and would target a limited number of military or government sites. The move is said to be designed to intensify pressure on Iran while stopping short of a full-scale attack that could provoke major retaliation.
If Iran refuses to comply with Trump’s demand to halt its nuclear enrichment activities, Washington could escalate its response to a broader campaign against regime facilities, potentially aimed at destabilizing the leadership in Tehran, the report added.
One source said the president could escalate gradually — beginning with smaller strikes and expanding operations if necessary — until Tehran either abandons its nuclear program or the regime collapses.
Recent discussions have reportedly shifted toward the possibility of broader military campaigns.
Officials said Trump has not made a final decision on launching an attack but is reviewing options including a short, intensive campaign aimed at forcing regime change and limited strikes on Iranian government and military targets.
Some US officials and analysts have cautioned that such action could trigger Iranian retaliation, potentially drawing Washington into a wider regional conflict and putting allies at risk.
