Donald Trump, as he prepares for his second term in office, is reportedly weighing a dramatic shift in US policy towards Iran, with discussions around direct military action on the table. This follows his decision in 2018 to withdraw from the landmark nuclear deal with Iran, known as the JCPOA, which aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign—intended to cripple Iran’s economy and force them back to the negotiating table—has had mixed results, and now his team is considering an even more extreme approach.
According to sources close to the transition team, Trump is now contemplating “maximum pressure 2.0.” This strategy could involve direct military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, such as the Natanz and Fordow plants, to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. This idea stems from Trump’s urgent desire to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities during his second term. Despite Tehran’s repeated denials that it seeks nuclear weapons, Iran has amassed large quantities of enriched uranium, which could be used to build nuclear bombs.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Israel is also preparing for possible strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites, with reports suggesting that Israel may want to act sooner rather than later. The involvement of the US in this operation could be pivotal, with Trump reportedly discussing a joint operation with Israeli leaders. While Israel has conducted airstrikes against Iranian assets in Syria and other areas, Iran’s nuclear facilities are heavily fortified, which may require advanced military support, such as heavy bombers or bunker-busting bombs, potentially provided by the US.
As tensions rise, many of Trump’s advisers argue that his administration should act quickly to prevent Iran from crossing the nuclear threshold. However, there is a careful balance to strike—too much military escalation could lead to a broader war in the Middle East, something the US has sought to avoid.
With only weeks left before Trump assumes office again, the clock is ticking, and the decision to take military action could have lasting consequences for the region and beyond. The stakes are incredibly high, and Trump’s next moves could reshape the balance of power in the Middle East for years to come.
