Media outline 4 scenarios for Trump intervention in Iran
Large-scale protests continue in Iran (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump is considering four main scenarios for intervention in the situation in Iran. They may include military strikes, the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and cyberattacks against the regime, The Telegraph reports.
Limited symbolic strike
The first scenario envisions a minimal strike or a series of pinpoint attacks designed to send a political signal and fulfill Trump's promise to respond in the event of a brutal crackdown on protests in Iran.
Potential targets could include bases of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, missile facilities, or even individual official buildings in Tehran. To enhance symbolism, the United States could choose a high-profile target in the capital.
Large-scale bombing campaign
The second option envisions prolonged and intensive strikes aimed at seriously weakening the regime.
This would involve not only hitting headquarters and ministries, but also destroying a network of bases and intermediate facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its affiliated Basij militia across the country. This approach is intended to halt repression and force the authorities to change course.
Removal of the supreme leader
The third scenario, according to media assessments, is the most radical and involves the kidnapping or killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Telegraph notes that, following successful US operations abroad, such an option could be considered in Washington to quickly shift the balance of power.
At the same time, there is a risk that Iranian society would perceive this as a betrayal of expectations for a complete dismantling of the regime.
Cyberattack against the regime
The fourth scenario is described as the most powerful non-kinetic option. It involves large-scale cyberattacks to paralyze Iran's state communications, as well as ensuring stable internet access for the population through Starlink terminals.
The goal is to strengthen coordination among protest movements while simultaneously blocking state propaganda channels, without directly entering military conflict.
Protests in Iran
Since late 2025, large-scale anti-government protests have been ongoing in Iran, beginning in Tehran among business owners dissatisfied with the economic situation and the depreciation of the national currency against the US dollar.
Even cities previously considered loyal to the regime, including Qom in the central part of the country and Mashhad in the northeast, have joined the protests.
According to the latest data, the number of people killed during the protests may reach 12,000.
US President Donald Trump has publicly called on Iranians to continue anti-government actions, seize institutions, and said that assistance to protesters is already "on its way."
In addition, he promised to take "very strong action" if Iranian authorities begin executing protest participants this week.
