2 hours ago
Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 06:04 IST
If Iran refuses to comply, US could escalate its response to a broader military campaign targeting regime-linked infrastructure, as per the report.
US President Donald Trump and Iran Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
US President Donald Trump is considering authorising a limited military strike on Iran to pressure Tehran into agreeing to his terms for a nuclear deal, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Citing people familiar with the discussions, the newspaper said the proposed action would involve a narrowly targeted strike on select Iranian military or government facilities.
The aim would be to compel Iran to halt its nuclear enrichment activities while avoiding an immediate escalation into a wider conflict that could trigger major retaliation. The report said such a strike could take place within days if Trump gives approval.
Read more: US-Iran Tensions: Trump Flags Critical 10-Day Window; UK Blocks Use Of Its Bases For Strikes
However, if Tehran refuses to comply, the United States could expand its response into a broader military campaign targeting infrastructure linked to the Iranian government. Such an escalation could include efforts aimed at destabilising or potentially toppling the leadership in Tehran, the report said.
Follow LIVE Updates on US-Iran Tensions here
Iran Warns Of Consequences
Iran has warned it would retaliate if attacked. In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Tehran said all bases, facilities and assets of any hostile force in the region would be treated as legitimate targets. It added that the United States would bear “full and direct responsibility" for any “unpredictable and uncontrollable consequences".
Trump Sets 10-Day Deadline
The report comes as Trump gave Iran a 10-day deadline to reach an agreement on its nuclear programme after holding a key meeting with senior advisers. According to US officials cited by Axios, Trump convened the meeting where he was briefed on nuclear talks held earlier this week in Geneva and discussed possible next steps.
Following the meeting, Trump said a decision on a potential deal could come soon.
“Maybe we are going to make a deal. You are going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days," he said.
He said negotiations were progressing but stressed that Iran must agree to stronger terms.
“Otherwise bad things happen," Trump warned at the first meeting of the Board of Peace for Gaza in Washington.
He also urged Tehran to choose diplomacy.
“Peace cannot exist in the Middle East if Iran possessed a nuclear weapon," he said, calling on Iran to join the United States on the “path to peace".
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Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:
February 20, 2026, 06:04 IST
News world Trump Considering Limited Strike On Iran Within Days To Push Nuclear Deal: Report
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