WSJ: Trump Seeks ‘Decisive’ Effect with Action on Iran, Military Strike Probability Rises

BlockBeats News, January 21st, according to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. officials said that despite withdrawing the strike on Iran last week, Trump is still asking his aides for so-called "decisive" military options. The discussions come as the U.S. is sending an aircraft carrier and fighter jets to the Middle East, a move that could signal the beginning of a larger military buildup.

According to U.S. officials, Trump has repeatedly used the term "decisive" to describe what effects he would like U.S. action to have on Iran. This wording has led Pentagon and White House aides to refine a series of options for Trump to choose from, with some aimed at toppling the current Iranian regime. Officials are also crafting less aggressive options, possibly including strikes on facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. U.S. officials said that Trump has not yet ordered strikes on Iran, and his final decision is unclear. However, the ongoing discussions indicate that Trump has not ruled out the possibility of "punishing" the Iranian authorities.