Donald Trump plans a two-stage attack on Iran, and what he revealed in the Situation Room is unlike anything we’ve seen

President Trump has set a 10-day deadline for Iran, hinting at possible military action if his demands are not met. This comes as leaked plans for possible strikes are already circulating, though one last-minute diplomatic option could still change everything.

According to The New York Times, Trump has weighed multiple options for Iran during a recent White House Situation Room meeting. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles were all present for the discussions.

While no final decisions have been made, officials with knowledge of the meeting said Trump is leaning toward launching an initial strike in the coming days. Potential targets could include the headquarters of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iranian nuclear sites, or their ballistic missile program.

A diplomatic proposal from the UN’s nuclear watchdog may still offer both sides a way out

Trump also told his advisers that if the initial strikes do not push Tehran to give up its nuclear program, he would be open to a possible military assault later this year to help remove Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from power. Trump has also been escalating pressure on countries like China and India as part of his broader foreign policy stance.

Both U.S. and Iranian leaders are reportedly considering a potential off-ramp that could prevent conflict. Rafael Grossi, director general of the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency, introduced a proposal that would allow Iran to produce very small amounts of nuclear fuel, but only for medical research and treatment, not for weapons.

During the White House meeting, Trump asked Gen. Caine and CIA Director Ratcliffe for their broader strategy input on Iran, though neither official pushed a specific position. Vice President Vance did not oppose a strike but pressed both Caine and Ratcliffe to lay out the risks and complexities of any potential attack. 

Vance has also been vocal about the negotiations, with reports showing Vance warning that Trump’s red lines were abandoned while Iran claimed progress in nuclear talks. Trump has consistently threatened Iran over its nuclear program. Back in January, he posted on Truth Social: “A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose.” 

He added, “Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!”

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly commented on the situation, saying that “the media may continue to speculate on the president’s thinking all they want, but only President Trump knows what he may or may not do.” Last week, Trump explicitly laid out his timeline, saying, “We may have to take it a step further, or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal. You’re going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days.”