Amid escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, rigorous alternative plans have surfaced in high-level discussions. According to the US news outlet Axios, if Iran does not commit to permanently closing all paths to developing nuclear weapons, options under consideration include the removal of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son Mojtaba Khamenei, and other top religious leadership.

The report states that the Pentagon has presented President Donald Trump with several options for handling various potential scenarios. One of these options explicitly mentions the removal of the Supreme Leader and his son to dismantle the country’s clerical rule. This plan was reportedly presented to Trump a few weeks ago. An advisor to the President noted that while it is not yet certain which path Trump will ultimately choose, “all options are on the table.” Another high-ranking US official mentioned that Trump is seeking a deal he can frame as a major political success, warning that if Iran fails to provide an acceptable proposal, the United States’ patience may run out.

Conversely, there are indications that if Iran provides a permanent guarantee to abandon the pursuit of nuclear weapons, it might be allowed to enrich uranium on a limited scale. However, no final decision has been made on this. As multiple stages of diplomatic talks have failed, it is widely believed that the two nations are moving rapidly toward a military confrontation. Gulf nations and Israel reportedly view conflict as more likely than a compromise. Meanwhile, Washington has orchestrated its largest military buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. US media reports suggest that while forces are ready, Trump has not yet given the “green light.”

On the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that both parties have agreed on certain guiding principles, and Iran will submit a written proposal within the next two to three days. He claimed that during talks in Geneva, Washington did not demand the total shutdown of the nuclear program. Instead, Araghchi stated that discussions are focusing on a framework for how the nuclear program can continue, with the withdrawal of sanctions being a critical trade-off. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi is involved in this process. The proposal may include technical measures such as allowing UN inspectors access and removing 450 kg of enriched uranium damaged in recent attacks.

The White House has maintained that a significant gap remains in reaching a consensus. US officials emphasize that Iran’s proposal must be detailed and prove that their program is not harmful. Washington will determine its next move only after reviewing the written proposal.

Source: Times of India