Tensions between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program have intensified, according to a report by Axios. The report claims that if Iran fails to provide assurances of permanently halting nuclear weapons development, the U.S. may consider extreme measures, including removing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba Khamenei. The Pentagon has reportedly presented several strategic options to President Donald Trump, one of which involves dismantling Iran’s religious leadership structure. Trump has not yet made a final decision and is said to be keeping all options open.

The report adds that if Iran commits to permanently stopping weapons production, limited uranium enrichment could be allowed, though no final decision has been made. Diplomatic efforts have so far yielded little progress, raising fears of military confrontation. Several Gulf states and Israel believe conflict is more likely than compromise. The U.S. has assembled its largest military presence in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq war, though Trump has not authorized military action.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that both sides have agreed on some basic principles and that Tehran will soon submit a written proposal. The White House confirmed that significant gaps remain before any agreement can be reached.