The U.S. military is actively preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran, should President Donald Trump issue an order for an attack, according to two anonymous U.S. officials. This planning indicates a potential escalation into a far more serious and prolonged conflict than any previous engagements between the two nations.
Diplomatic Efforts Amid Military Buildup
The disclosure of these preparations, shared by officials who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, significantly raises the stakes for the ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to hold talks with Iranian representatives in Geneva on Tuesday, with Oman acting as a mediator in the discussions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned on Saturday that while President Trump's preference is to reach a diplomatic agreement with Tehran, achieving such a deal remains very hard to do. Meanwhile, Trump has amassed substantial military forces in the region, including the deployment of an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East, along with thousands of troops, fighter aircraft, guided-missile destroyers, and other advanced firepower capable of both offensive strikes and defensive operations.
Trump's Rhetoric and Military Strategy
Speaking at a military event at Fort Bragg in North Carolina on Friday, President Trump openly floated the possibility of changing the government in Iran, stating it seems like that would be the best thing that could happen. He declined to specify who he would prefer to take over but noted, there are people. Trump has long expressed skepticism about deploying ground troops into Iran, emphasizing last year that the last thing you want to do is ground forces. The current military buildup suggests a focus on air and naval strikes, though Trump has shown a willingness to use special operations forces, as demonstrated in a recent raid in Venezuela.
When asked about preparations for a potentially sustained U.S. military operation, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated, President Trump has all options on the table with regard to Iran. She added that he listens to various perspectives but makes final decisions based on national security interests. The Pentagon declined to comment on the matter.
Escalating Risks and Complex Planning
The United States previously sent two aircraft carriers to the region last year during strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, but the Midnight Hammer operation in June was essentially a one-off attack involving stealth bombers. In contrast, the current planning is described as more complex, with officials indicating that a sustained campaign could target Iranian state and security facilities beyond just nuclear infrastructure, though specific details were not provided.
Experts warn that the risks to U.S. forces would be far greater in such an operation, given Iran's formidable arsenal of missiles. Retaliatory strikes by Iran could also increase the likelihood of a broader regional conflict. One official noted that the United States fully expects Iran to retaliate, potentially leading to a cycle of back-and-forth strikes and reprisals over time.
International and Domestic Reactions
President Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as its handling of internal dissent. On Thursday, he warned that the alternative to a diplomatic solution would be very traumatic, very traumatic. Iran's Revolutionary Guard has cautioned that any strikes on Iranian territory could prompt retaliation against U.S. military bases throughout the Middle East, including in countries like Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met with Trump in Washington recently, emphasized that any agreement with Iran must include elements vital to Israel's security. Iran has expressed willingness to discuss curbs on its nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions but has ruled out linking the issue to missiles.
In an interview, exiled Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi urged Washington not to prolong negotiations with Tehran's clerical rulers, suggesting that U.S. military intervention could save lives and potentially accelerate the regime's collapse. Pahlavi, based in the United States, argued that an attack might weaken the government and empower protesters.
As diplomatic talks proceed in Geneva, the heightened military preparations underscore the volatile situation, with the potential for either a breakthrough agreement or a significant escalation in hostilities that could reshape regional dynamics.
