The likelihood of an immediate U.S. military strike on Iran has increased, according to reports from a leading British news agency. Citing informed sources, the outlet claimed that a surprise attack could be imminent, with signs pointing to a rapid escalation as part of U.S. military planning.
Washington’s consideration of military action reportedly intensified after President Donald Trump held an extended meeting with his advisers on Tuesday. An American source quoted in the report said that, as violence in Iran continues, Trump may feel compelled to act “within a day or two at the latest.”
The New York Times reported that Trump has recently been presented with multiple options, including renewed strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities targets previously hit last June in joint U.S.-Israeli operations or attacks on Iran’s ballistic missile program.
Other possibilities reportedly discussed include strikes on Iran’s internal security infrastructure or the use of cyber operations, which the newspaper described as more likely than direct attacks on nuclear or missile sites.
Officials cited by the Times indicated that it could take several days before the administration’s chosen course of action becomes clear.
Trump has publicly issued warnings about possible intervention in Iran for several days, though he has not provided details. These comments come amid ongoing nationwide protests across all 31 Iranian provinces. The demonstrations began on December 28 as protests over economic conditions but quickly expanded into widespread anti-government unrest.
On Wednesday, however, Trump stated that the United States had received information indicating that the killing of protesters had stopped and that Iranian authorities would not carry out executions, which had previously been feared.
Meanwhile, in a significant energy-related development, the United States has sold approximately $500 million worth of Venezuelan oil on the international market. Venezuelan interim authorities are expected to transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S., with an estimated market value of around $2.8 billion.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed that the U.S. government is overseeing the sale, and the proceeds will be deposited into accounts controlled by Washington.
Secretary Wright also indicated that further sales of Venezuelan oil are anticipated in the upcoming weeks. This move is part of a broader energy agreement between the U.S. and Venezuela, which officials claim will benefit both nations.
A White House spokesperson highlighted that Venezuela’s oil reserves are estimated at 300 billion barrels, underscoring the country’s significant energy potential.
