U.S. President Donald Trump on the 20th (local time) addressed speculation that the United States could carry out a "limited strike" on Iran, saying, "I think I can say we are considering it."
After a working breakfast with governors at the White House in Washington, D.C., that day, when asked by reporters whether he was considering a limited strike to pressure Iran, President Trump answered as above.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported the previous day (on the 19th) that President Trump is reviewing a limited preemptive military strike on Iran to pressure Tehran to accept U.S. demands in nuclear talks.
WSJ said the strike is called a "bloody nose operation," with several military or government facilities as targets. It also said that if approved, the operation could be carried out within days.
Earlier, on the 19th aboard Air Force One, President Trump told reporters that Iran had 10 to 15 days left until a nuclear deal. He also said that if there is no agreement with Iran on its nuclear program, "really bad things will happen."
Citing multiple officials, WSJ said the options Trump is reviewing range widely, from limited airstrikes to a weeks-long operation aimed at removing Iran's leadership and effecting regime change.