Official announcements from the U.S. government or credible defense news sources

Trump Weighs Airstrikes and Diplomatic Efforts to Prevent Iran's Nuclear Weapon Development

Dec 13, 2024, 10:43 AM

President-elect Donald Trump is considering military options to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, including potential preventive airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. This shift in policy would break from the long-standing U.S. approach of containing Tehran through diplomacy and sanctions. Trump's transition team is reportedly examining the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the weakening of Hezbollah and Hamas, and Iran's recent nuclear advancements as factors influencing their strategy. The discussions include two main options: enhancing the U.S. military presence in the Middle East, selling advanced weapons like bunker-busting bombs to Israel, or using the threat of military action combined with sanctions to push for a diplomatic resolution. Iran has warned that any military action would be met with 'maximum resistance.'