US President Donald Trump renewed threats to strike Iran if it does not agree to negotiate a new nuclear deal, as US forces conduct a multi-day air exercise in the Middle East, bolstering Washington’s military presence in the region.

The plans being weighed by the president go beyond those he considered weeks ago amid widespread protests against Iran’s government.

By Francois Murphy VIENNA, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Regional fears of a U.S. attack on Iran have eased after President Donald Trump said Tehran had assured him that protesters would not be executed, but he is keeping "all of his options on the table",

U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing options against Iran that include targeted strikes on security forces ‌and ​leaders to inspire protesters, multiple sources said, even as Israeli and Arab officials said air power ‌alone would not topple the clerical rulers.