A source stated that Washington has prepared several scenarios for various outcomes.
“One possible plan is the removal of the Ayatollah, his son, and several mullahs. But which option the president will choose remains unknown,” the Axios interlocutor noted.
Another informed source confirmed that such a plan was presented to Trump several weeks ago.
The article also emphasizes that the US administration is willing to consider an agreement under which Iran could carry out "symbolic" uranium enrichment, provided that it does not lead to the creation of nuclear weapons. American officials stress the high demands for any proposal that will be put forward by Tehran.
A representative of the administration stated that the US president is ready to accept an agreement that will be "substantive" and acceptable domestically. Otherwise, Washington's patience may be limited.
According to information from Israeli and American sources, Trump may decide on a military strike against Iran in the coming days.
Despite the resumption of negotiations on the nuclear program, relations between the US and Iran remain tense. The latest round of consultations concluded on February 17 in Geneva.
One American official reported that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner conveyed to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that Washington insists on preventing uranium enrichment on Iranian territory. Nevertheless, the US is willing to consider a compromise option if security guarantees are obtained.
According to sources, mediators from Oman and Qatar are calling for an agreement that would allow both sides to declare a diplomatic victory and would be acceptable to the countries of the region and Israel.
US Vice President Mike Pence previously emphasized that the main "red line" for Washington remains preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In response, Araghchi stressed that Tehran does not intend to seek such weapons.
One of the Axios sources characterized the negotiations in Geneva as “a hamburger stuffed with nothing,” adding that the likelihood of military conflict between the US and Iran is estimated at about 90%.
