5173, Airstrikes on Iran Could Restart Monday

Added: 2026-05-20

[00:00:01][music] [music] >> Good evening. I'm still reporting on Iran.

[00:00:16]President Donald Trump is seriously considering limited but intense military strikes against Iran, according to reports from The New York Times and Axios, as diplomatic efforts have stalled and Tehran continues to rebuild its military capabilities.

[00:00:34]The New York Times reported that the Trump administration has completed advanced operational planning for strikes targeting Iran's nuclear development and enrichment facilities.

[00:00:45]The plans reportedly include special operations raids and commando missions aimed at delivering a sharp, decisive blow to Iran's nuclear program. In other words, boots on the ground, if only temporarily. The objective, sources say, is to shake the Islamic Republic, break the current stalemate, and force Tehran back to the negotiating table.

[00:01:11]Key targets under consideration include Iran's strategic energy infrastructure, particularly that at Kharg Island, the central hub of Iranian oil exports in the Persian Gulf, as well as power stations and military command systems.

[00:01:29]Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Iran's continued attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and its refusal to make serious concessions on its nuclear program.

[00:01:42]While the current US naval blockade remains his primary source of leverage, the president is now reportedly open to direct military action if Iran does not change course.

[00:01:55]The developments come after the expiration of a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran that began in early April.

[00:02:04]Negotiations in Pakistan reportedly collapsed without a breakthrough.

[00:02:09]Since the ceasefire ended, Iranian forces have been actively recovering and excavating weapon systems from rubble and underground facilities.

[00:02:20]Israeli officials have expressed concern that Iran retains approximately 70% of its ballistic missile inventory and is rebuilding quickly.

[00:02:31]Israeli security officials have been placed on heightened alert and are closely monitoring US movements in the region. One senior Israeli army official told Army Radio that the emission of Iran's missile program from the current negotiations is troubling as it could allow Tehran to restore one of its most dangerous capabilities without restriction.

[00:02:56]The White House has declined to comment on the reports. The situation remains highly fluid and the risk of renewed conflict in the Middle East is rising sharply. I'm still reporting from just outside the Citadel of world freedom.

[00:03:11][music] Good day.