US strikes on Iran could target individual leaders, officials say

US military planning on Iran has reached an advanced stage with options, including targeting individuals as part of an attack and even pursuing regime change in Tehran, if ordered by President Donald Trump, two US officials tell Reuters.

The military options are the latest signs that the United States is preparing for a serious conflict with Iran should diplomatic efforts fail. Reuters first reported last week that the US military is preparing for a sustained, weeks-long operation against Iran that could include striking Iranian security facilities as well as nuclear infrastructure.

The latest revelations suggest more granular, ambitious planning ahead of a decision by Trump, who has in recent days publicly floated the idea of regime change in the Islamic Republic.

The US officials, who speak on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the planning, do not offer further details on which individuals could be targeted or how the U.S. military could attempt to carry out regime change without a large ground force.

Pursuing regime change would mark another shift away from Trump’s vows during the presidential campaign to abandon what he has called the failed policies of past administrations, which included military efforts to topple governments in Afghanistan and Iraq.

One of the US officials notes Israel’s success targeting Iranian leaders during its 12-day war with Iran last year. At the time, regional sources tell Reuters at least 20 senior commanders were killed, including the armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri.

“The 12-day war and Israeli strikes against individual targets really showed the utility of that approach,” the US official says, adding that the focus was on those involved in command and control of IRGC forces.

Still, the official cautions that targeting individuals requires additional intelligence resources. Killing a particular military commander would mean knowing their exact location and understanding who else might be harmed in the operation.

It is unclear to the officials who spoke with Reuters what intelligence the US has on Iranian leaders who could potentially be targeted by the United States.

The White House and Pentagon does not immediately respond to requests for comment.