#1 is a standard technique for fixing such cracks. It aligns the crack well which is important when clamping it shut and then of course it glues a cleat in place at the same time.
Iron on edge veneer is not strong enough. What ever glue they impregnate it with is not good enough. You can find rolls of that stuff that is not impregnated with glue then you could use AR glue or HHG or what ever but then it's hard to make a caul to clamp the curves. And like you said what would you use for an iron?
Couple pics to illustrate:
