Washington, D.C., Feb 23 (NationPress) President Donald Trump is exploring military options against Iran as diplomatic efforts enter what officials are calling a critical phase. Meanwhile, Tehran's principal allies—China and Russia—seem hesitant to provide direct military support in a conflict with the United States.

A report from The Wall Street Journal indicates that Iran has endeavored for years to forge stronger military connections with Beijing and Moscow. However, these powerful allies are showing signs of reluctance as Iran faces what the publication describes as the “most significant U.S. threat to its existence in decades.”

Recently, Russia and Iran conducted minor naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman. Iranian state media also announced plans for a collaborative exercise involving Chinese vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Nonetheless, analysts shared with the Journal that Beijing and Moscow appear unwilling to offer direct military support should Trump initiate an attack on Iran.

“They’re not willing to jeopardize their own interests for the Iranian regime,” noted Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli military intelligence officer. “They hope the regime remains intact, but they will certainly not confront the U.S. militarily.”

In parallel, The New York Times reported that Trump has informed his advisors that if diplomatic efforts or any initial targeted U.S. strikes do not compel Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, he may consider a much larger military operation aimed at overthrowing the Iranian leadership.

Negotiators from Washington and Tehran are set to convene in Geneva for discussions intended to avert military conflict. However, Trump is contemplating U.S. actions if these negotiations do not succeed.

Potential targets include the headquarters of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its nuclear and ballistic missile facilities, according to the Times.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, asserted in a televised interview that the nation is not prepared to relinquish its “right” to produce nuclear fuel under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

Meanwhile, Senator Jeff Merkley cautioned against unilateral military action, stating, “Any decision to initiate military action without congressional approval would breach the Constitution, undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts, and jeopardize American troops and innocent civilians.”

Merkley emphasized, “Only Congress possesses the constitutional authority to declare war.”

In a separate interview referenced by the New York Post, special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff warned that Iran could be just “a week away” from obtaining “industrial-grade bomb-making materials,” increasing the pressure on the White House to take decisive action.

For India, any escalation in the Strait of Hormuz poses immediate repercussions. Approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply transits through this narrow strait, and any disruption could significantly impact global crude prices and shipping routes that are essential to India’s energy security.