WASHINGTON – President Trump’s caution regarding potential military action against Iran stems from worries about the aftermath of a regime change, reminiscent of Libya. This sentiment was relayed by an administration insider as Trump has put off a decision for up to two weeks.
The president has referred to the 2011 U.S. intervention in Libya, where NATO forces were deployed to oust dictator Muammar Gaddafi, highlighting his desire to avoid a similar outcome. One insider explained, “Trump doesn’t want it to turn into Libya,” shedding light on the ongoing discussions about whether the U.S. might support Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear program.
On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt indicated that the president is taking time to deliberate before committing to any military involvement.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Aragut is scheduled to consult with his counterparts from Britain, France, Germany, and the EU in Geneva. Leavitt noted that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkov, would not be attending, although he continues to communicate with Iranian representatives.
A source shared that the president expressed his concerns privately, mentioning the potential for Iran to descend into chaos similar to Libya if conflict ensues. Other sources corroborated this sentiment, citing Trump’s remarks on Iran’s stability following last week’s escalating tensions.
While specific details were not disclosed, it seems likely Trump might opt for limited airstrikes targeting Iran’s underground nuclear sites at Fordow and Natanz using powerful bombs not typically available to Israeli forces. “Libya represents a more extensive military commitment that ultimately led to a regime change,” one source pointed out.
There are, of course, concerns about what might emerge from a power vacuum in Iran. As one insider articulated, “We could end up with someone worse than Khamenei.”
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According to the same source, Trump is not keen on becoming involved in Iran’s internal politics, which plays well with his supporters. If the U.S. undertakes strikes and succeeds in damaging Iranian nuclear facilities, there are still worries about how Iran would retaliate, potentially through terrorism or pollution.
Moreover, Trump appears to prefer diplomatic solutions. This perspective reflects on his views about Libya, where the fallout from military intervention complicated negotiations with countries such as North Korea and Iran.
On Thursday, Israeli officials openly discussed their aspirations for regime change in Iran, dubbing Khamenei “Modern Hitler.” Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated that they’ve been given the green light to act against Khamenei, while Prime Minister Netanyahu asserted that Israel is equipped to address the issue of Iran’s nuclear sites independently.
However, not all military experts are convinced of Israel’s capability to target the deeply entrenched Fordow facility. Even specialized bombs purchased from the U.S. might not be sufficient for the task.
Throughout the region, prolonged conflicts have given rise to instability in countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. Trump often reflects on Libya, where Gaddafi ruled for decades before being toppled, leading to chaos and suffering.
Khamenei, having presided over Iran for many years, has found ways to maintain his grip on power amidst challenges. In Libya, the hoped-for transition to a stable democracy dissolved into a nightmare of warfare and extremist control.
As the president weighs different viewpoints, he listens not just to world leaders but also to domestic advisors and citizens. Leavitt indicated that decisions about intervention could arise within the next two weeks, emphasizing that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a priority.
In closing, she reiterated that Trump is committed to ensuring stability and peace in the Middle East.
