US weighs 'precision strikes' on Iranian officials as military build-up surges

The US is weighing precision strikes on "high-value" Iranian officials and commanders who it deems responsible for the deaths of protesters, a Gulf official familiar with the discussions told Middle East Eye.

The strikes could come as early as this week, but that timeline could shift, MEE was told on Monday.

Earlier, Trump said in an interview with Axios that Tehran is interested in a diplomatic resolution of disputes with the United States. At the same time, the American leader stressed that he has deployed significant forces near Iran.

"We have a big armada next to Iran. Bigger than Venezuela," Trump emphasised.