Trump Seeks “Decisive” Options on Iran as U.S. Military Buildup Accelerates

Key Facts

Published: January 20, 2026 Location: Washington D.C. Source: Wall Street Journal

• Trump is pressing advisers for “decisive” military options against Iran despite holding off on strikes last week.
• The U.S. is accelerating a military buildup in the Middle East, including the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, F-15E fighter jets, and additional Patriot and THAAD missile defenses
• U.S. officials believe Iran’s crackdown on protesters has killed far more than previously reported, with estimates reaching as high as 18,000 deaths
• Pentagon planners are weighing options ranging from limited strikes on IRGC targets to broader actions that could seek to remove Iran’s leadership.

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – President Donald Trump is continuing to press senior advisers for what he calls “decisive” military options against Iran, even after pulling back from strikes last week, as Tehran intensifies a violent crackdown on protesters that has killed thousands, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The newspaper reported that the discussions are taking place as the United States rapidly reinforces its military posture in the Middle East, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group, fighter jets, and additional missile-defense systems. U.S. officials told the Journal the buildup could provide Trump with expanded options should he decide to authorize military action.

According to the report, Trump has repeatedly emphasized that any U.S. move must have a “decisive” effect on Iran, prompting Pentagon and White House planners to refine a spectrum of scenarios. These range from limited strikes on facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to more expansive options that could seek to push the Islamic Republic’s leadership from power.

Trump has not ordered strikes, and officials cautioned that his final decision remains uncertain. Still, the Journal noted that the ongoing planning reflects the president’s reluctance to rule out military punishment for Tehran’s actions as Iran’s economy collapses and protests spread.

Death toll estimates from Iran’s unrest continue to rise. While early figures suggested 2,000 to 3,000 fatalities, U.S. officials cited by the Journal believe the number is far higher. Mike Waltz recently referenced assessments indicating Iranian authorities may have killed up to 18,000 people.

When asked this week whether strikes remain possible, Trump pointed to what he described as the regime’s response to U.S. warnings, saying Iran canceled plans to execute hundreds of prisoners. “We’re just going to have to see what happens with Iran,” he said, according to the Journal.

Military experts interviewed by the paper warned that air power alone may not be sufficient to topple a regime. Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula told the Journal that while airstrikes can deter some behavior, meaningful regime change would likely require extensive air and ground operations over a prolonged period.

As deliberations continue, U.S. forces have surged assets into the region. F-15E Strike Eagle fighters have landed in Jordan, while the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group — including destroyers, F-35 fighters, and electronic-warfare aircraft — are moving toward the Persian Gulf. Additional Patriot and THAAD missile-defense systems are also expected to deploy, according to U.S. officials cited by the Journal.

National Security Adviser and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has discussed Iran with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in any sustained campaign.

The Journal reported that some administration officials have raised concerns about the political objectives of strikes at this stage, noting the absence of a clear plan for governing Iran should the regime fall. Analyst Ramzy Mardini warned that a leadership “decapitation” could leave a dangerous power vacuum without forces in place to stabilize the country.

Others have urged non-military pressure, including expanded sanctions and assistance to protesters. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told the Journal that U.S. financial pressure has already had significant impact, arguing Iran’s economic collapse helped drive the unrest.

Trump, meanwhile, has sent mixed messages on regime change. While he has emphasized avoiding prolonged wars, he has also publicly called for new leadership in Tehran and criticized Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for ordering mass killings.

Iran has warned that any U.S. attack would trigger severe retaliation. President Masoud Pezeshkian said strikes on Iran’s leadership would amount to “all-out war.”

For now, the Journal reported, the U.S. military buildup continues, signaling that while diplomacy and economic pressure remain in play, the Trump administration is keeping military options firmly on the table.

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