Wall Street Journal: "U.S. Steps Up Planning for Possible Action in Iran"

The United States is enhancing its action plans regarding Iran, with President Trump set to receive a formal briefing on various military, cyber, and economic responses to Tehran's crackdown on protests. This meeting will include key officials, but no final decisions are expected yet. Options under review include expanding sanctions on Iranian leadership, deploying covert cyber measures, and considering limited military strikes. The environment remains tense, with warnings from Trump against lethal force on protesters and Iranian threats against US military bases. However, there has been no repositioning of forces by the Pentagon, suggesting early-stage planning. Concerns exist about foreign intervention undermining the domestic legitimacy of the protests. Overall, this situational analysis highlights significant risks of broader confrontation if the US takes action against Iran.