Washington D.C., Dec 16 (V7N)— With only days left before his inauguration on January 20, newly elected US President Donald Trump is already shaping his foreign policy priorities, with Iran emerging as a focal point.

According to sources, Trump’s administration is finalizing plans to exert unprecedented pressure on Tehran. The approach, reportedly dubbed the "Maximum Pressure to Point O" strategy, may involve military action targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, signaling a departure from diplomacy or sanctions as the primary tools of engagement.

Trump’s team has highlighted Iran's nuclear ambitions as a major threat to regional and global security. Iran has been enriching uranium despite the 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump pulled the US out of during his first term. "We will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons," Trump assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a recent phone call.

The proposed strategy reportedly focuses on airstrikes against key Iranian nuclear sites, including the Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan facilities. While the US is prepared to act unilaterally, sources suggest a joint operation with Israel may also be considered. The Trump administration believes such strikes could effectively neutralize Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Israel has long claimed that Iran is on the brink of developing nuclear weapons, a development it views as an existential threat. Trump's administration appears to align with this perspective, with his transition team emphasizing the need to “break Iran’s venomous fangs” to safeguard regional stability.

The geopolitical situation in the Middle East may also influence Trump's strategy. With Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime weakened and Iranian-backed proxies in Lebanon and Palestine losing ground, Tehran's regional influence has diminished. This isolation may present an opportunity for the US and its allies to act decisively.

When asked about the likelihood of war with Iran during his second term, Trump remarked, "Anything could happen." This comment reflects the volatility of the situation. Trump has consistently issued stern warnings to Tehran, heightening tensions further.

While plans for a military strike are reportedly in the early stages, the possibility of escalation remains high. Analysts warn that such an approach could lead to broader regional instability, with Iran vowing to retaliate against any aggression.

As the clock ticks toward Trump’s inauguration, his administration’s approach to Iran could define the opening chapter of his presidency and reshape the dynamics of the Middle East.

END/RH/AJ