US weighs military and covert options on Iran

New Delhi, Jan 13: US President Donald Trump has been briefed on a range of military and covert options for possible action against Iran, CBS News reported, as quoted by the BBC. Two US defence officials told CBS that these options include long-range missile strikes, cyber operations, and psychological campaigns. According to the report, any US response is likely to rely mainly on air power, while planners are also looking at ways to disrupt Iran’s command systems and communications, reports BBC.

A meeting of Trump’s national security team is expected at the White House on Tuesday to discuss the options.

The briefing comes as Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran is open to talks with Washington but is also prepared for war. The US president has earlier warned that “very strong options” are being considered if more protesters are killed in Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said an Iranian official had privately contacted Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, though she added that Iran’s public position differs from its private messages. She said Trump remains willing to use military force if necessary. The US has also advised its citizens in Iran to leave the country or have an independent exit plan in place.