U.S. Official: There is still a chance for diplomacy with Iran.. Military plans include limited strikes

A U.S. official told Al Jazeera that Washington believes there is still a chance for a diplomatic path in dealing with Iran's nuclear program, despite the ongoing escalation in the region.

The official explained that the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier will arrive in the Middle East before the end of the week, as part of enhancing the U.S. military presence.

He added that the military plans presented to President Donald Trump range from executing a limited strike to overthrowing the regime in Iran, noting that these plans take into account potential repercussions, including a scenario of regime collapse.

The official indicated that U.S. estimates suggest that Iran could engage in a multi-front war if subjected to a military strike, emphasizing that any military plan considers the protection of U.S. forces and interests, as well as the protection of allies and partners in the region.

He confirmed that the goal of any potential military operation is to ensure that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons, stressing that there is no disagreement between the Chief of Staff and political leadership, as the military's role is limited to providing options and assessments without expressing a political stance.

Regarding the possibility of Hezbollah entering the confrontation, the official noted that this would depend on the scale and nature of the potential military strike against Iran.