President Donald Trump is reportedly considering assassinating Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as part of potential efforts to force regime change. Mojtaba Khamenei, widely seen as his father's likely successor due to his close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, is said to be among targets under review if diplomatic efforts fail.

The development comes as anti-government protests continue in Tehran, with students and other demonstrators chanting slogans against the supreme leader. The unrest, which began over economic grievances in December 2025, has been met with a severe crackdown. Estimates from rights groups suggest thousands have been killed and tens of thousands arrested.

The United States has significantly increased its military presence in the region, deploying naval forces, aircraft carriers, reconnaissance planes, and tens of thousands of troops. The White House is reportedly weighing limited military strikes to pressure Iran into negotiations over its nuclear programme, after recent talks failed to produce a breakthrough.

Officials have indicated that while Washington remains open to a negotiated settlement allowing tightly controlled uranium enrichment, time is limited. If Iran does not present an acceptable offer, more aggressive measures, including potential strikes against senior leadership figures, are said to be under consideration.