A propos - Trump is weighing initial limited strikes to force Iran into a nuclear deal: report
France 24
by Sharon GAFFNEYFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering limited military strikes on Iran in an attempt to force the country into negotiating a nuclear deal. According to Barbara Slavin, a distinguished fellow at the Stimson Centre, this strategy is unlikely to succeed in toppling the Iranian government and could instead lead to a more militaristic and repressive regime. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney, Slavin emphasized the potential risks of such an approach, highlighting that airstrikes alone would not achieve significant political change.
The idea of using limited strikes as leverage aligns with Trump’s broader strategy of applying pressure on Iran to revise its nuclear agreements. This move reflects ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence. Historically, similar strategies have had mixed results; for instance, US airstrikes in Syria aimed at influencing political outcomes often failed to achieve lasting change. Slavin's analysis suggests that
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/19/2026