Astronomers have confirmed that ASASSN-24fw dimmed by an extraordinary 97% over a period of more than nine months, starting in late 2024 making it one of the longest and deepest stellar eclipses ever recorded. The star, located in the Monoceros constellation, was monitored through sky surveys that track brightness changes in stars over time. The data clearly shows a prolonged and structured drop in light, far beyond what a normal planet could cause. Scientists say the most likely explanation is a massive ringed object passing in front of the star either a brown dwarf or a super Jupiter–type planet. Unlike typical transits that last hours or days, this event stretched across months, pointing to something enormous in size. The ring system itself is estimated to span about 16 million miles (25 million km), making it one of the largest ever inferred. As different parts of the rings moved across the star, they created layered dimming patterns, which allowed astronomers to study the...
The United States military has developed advanced planning options related to Iran that could include targeted strikes on specific individuals and, in extreme scenarios, plans that would amount to regime change in Tehran — but only if President Donald Trump orders such actions, according to multiple U.S. officials cited in recent reporting.
The options emerged as part of broader preparations amid escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and diplomatic talks that have so far failed to produce a final deal. Officials speaking to the news agency Reuters say that while most planning focuses on striking infrastructure such as nuclear and security facilities, the U.S. military has also considered granular options that go deeper than traditional bombardment.
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One senior U.S. official referenced Israel’s recent military operations against Iranian commanders as a model, citing how targeted actions can disrupt leadership and command networks. U.S. planners have reportedly looked at similar scenarios that could be requested by Trump, though no specific names or targets have been publicly identified.
Beyond targeting individuals, the planning also includes concepts that involve changing Iran’s government structure, an idea Trump himself has publicly referenced — saying that regime change “seems like the best thing that could happen” if negotiations fail. Such an outcome would represent a major shift from past U.S. policy and would likely require sophisticated intelligence and significant coordination beyond airstrikes alone.
Trump has also been explicit that he is considering “limited strikes” to pressure Tehran into concessions, particularly on its nuclear enrichment program. He gave Iran a deadline of roughly 10 to 15 days to reach a deal or risk unspecified consequences, warning that “really bad things” could occur if negotiations falter.
Iran, meanwhile, has been drafting a nuclear counterproposal after recent indirect talks in Geneva, where representatives from both sides agreed on broad principles but not a final agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said this week that a draft plan could be ready within days, though he also cautioned that military action would complicate diplomatic efforts.
Military buildup in the region has been significant. The U.S. has deployed major naval assets, including the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford, along with escort ships and fighter aircraft, underscoring the seriousness with which the Pentagon is preparing for the possibility of conflict.
Iranian officials have warned that any use of force could prompt retaliation against U.S. bases and interests in the region, heightening fears of a broader conflict. Nonetheless, U.S. military planners are weighing options that range from limited pressure strikes to more extensive operations if Trump makes a decisive order.
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