The Trump administration is considering new military strikes against Iran in response to the regime’s violent crackdown on protesters, but any such action would differ significantly from last year’s targeted bombing of Iranian nuclear sites.

Axar.az reports that analysts say strikes aimed at supporting protesters would likely focus on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Basij militia, and police command centers responsible for repression—many of which are located in populated areas, raising the risk of civilian casualties.

Civilian harm could undermine U.S. objectives by strengthening the regime’s propaganda and alienating dissidents.

Experts stress that any U.S. action would need extreme precision to avoid backfiring politically.

Potential targets include regime leadership facilities, IRGC financial enterprises that control large portions of Iran’s economy, and regional IRGC headquarters. The strategic aim would be to pressure the IRGC by threatening its leadership’s survival rather than defending the regime.

Weapons options include Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from ships or submarines, Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) fired from aircraft operating far from Iranian airspace, and drones. Crewed aircraft dropping short-range munitions are seen as too risky. With no U.S. aircraft carrier currently near Iran, any strikes would likely be launched from regional bases or long-range bombers supported by aerial refueling.