Trump Weighs Strike on Iran as ‘Token Enrichment’ Deal Emerges; Tehran Signals No Retreat
BK Singh
Washington/Tehran — A high-stakes diplomatic and military chess game is unfolding between the United States and Iran, with President Donald Trump reportedly considering a narrowly defined nuclear compromise even as the Pentagon prepares for the possibility of a direct strike.
According to a report by Axios, Trump may be open to allowing Iran limited or “token” uranium enrichment — provided Tehran can convincingly demonstrate that such activity leaves “no possible path” to a nuclear bomb. But that diplomatic opening exists alongside far more aggressive scenarios under review.
Military Options on the Table
US officials cited in the report say Trump has been presented with a full spectrum of military plans. One of the most dramatic options discussed involves targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba, who is widely viewed as a potential successor.
“The president hasn’t decided to strike yet. I know that because we haven’t struck,” a senior adviser was quoted as saying. “He might never do it. Or he might wake up tomorrow and decide that’s it.”
Pentagon planners, the adviser added, have prepared responses “for every scenario,” including plans that would decapitate Iran’s top leadership structure if ordered.
Another source indicated that the idea of eliminating Khamenei and his son had been discussed with Trump weeks ago, underscoring how seriously the administration is weighing force.
Yet no final decision has been made. “Trump is keeping his options open,” another senior official said. “He could act at any moment.”
The Diplomatic Window — Narrow and Closing
While war plans are ready, diplomacy is still technically alive.
US envoys conveyed during recent Geneva talks that Washington’s official position remains “zero enrichment” on Iranian soil. However, a senior American official suggested that a tightly controlled, symbolic enrichment programme could be examined — but only if Iran provides extensive, written guarantees proving the programme is permanently peaceful.
“The bar is very high,” one US official said. “If Iran wants to prevent an attack, they need to present an offer we can’t refuse.”
On the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is finalising a proposal that could be presented within days. He rejected claims that the US demanded zero enrichment during talks, framing discussions instead around mechanisms to ensure peaceful use.
“What we are talking about is how to ensure Iran’s nuclear programme — including enrichment — remains peaceful forever,” Araghchi said, adding that Tehran is willing to consider confidence-building measures in exchange for sanctions relief.
The head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, has reportedly been involved in technical consultations. Potential measures include expanded inspections and steps addressing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Still, Washington insists any proposal must be detailed, verifiable, and ironclad.
“The ball is in their court,” a US official said.
War Clouds and Strategic Calculations
Behind the scenes, analysts say the White House is calculating the risks of war with increasing caution.
Earlier Israeli intelligence and covert operations had reportedly exposed vulnerabilities in Iran’s missile infrastructure, allowing precision targeting. But that equation may have changed. Iranian military planners are believed to have hardened launch sites, dispersed assets, and upgraded readiness.
Iran has issued sharp warnings, threatening severe retaliation against US interests in the region. American naval deployments remain in a state of elevated readiness, though no public movement signals imminent action.
The possibility of Iranian missiles targeting US fleets in the Gulf or regional bases has injected fresh uncertainty into Washington’s deliberations. Some observers suggest that the administration’s willingness to entertain “token enrichment” reflects a recognition of the escalating costs of full-scale confrontation.
Tehran’s Stance: No Step Back
At the same time, Iran’s political and military establishment appears disinclined to retreat. Officials have signalled that scaling down enrichment under pressure would be unacceptable domestically and strategically.
Tehran’s leadership, shaped by decades of confrontation with Washington, is unlikely to appear to capitulate — especially under explicit military threat.
With rhetoric sharpening on both sides, the standoff feels less like routine diplomacy and more like a countdown.
For now, US warships remain positioned. Military options remain live. Diplomats remain engaged.
Whether this moment produces a fragile compromise or a sudden strike may hinge on what lands on Trump’s desk in the coming days — and how both capitals interpret each other’s resolve.
The region watches. The fleets wait. And the clock keeps ticking.
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