The United States military is reportedly preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders action, raising concerns about escalating conflict in the Middle East. Officials said this planning reflects the seriousness of potential engagement beyond previous limited strikes.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to hold nuclear talks with Iran in Geneva on Tuesday, mediated by Oman, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that reaching a diplomatic deal remains extremely difficult. Trump has reinforced the military buildup in the region, signaling readiness for action.
Read more : US military preparing for potentially weeks-long Iran operations
The Pentagon has dispatched additional troops, fighter jets, guided-missile destroyers, and an aircraft carrier to the Middle East, positioning US forces to strike Iran while defending against anticipated retaliatory attacks from Tehran’s missile arsenal. Trump floated regime change possibilities, though he avoided specifics on potential leadership replacements.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the president keeps “all options on the table,” while the Pentagon declined comment. Analysts note that unlike last year’s one-off “Midnight Hammer” strikes, a sustained campaign could target Iranian state and security facilities, not just nuclear sites.
Read more : Reza Pahlavi urges US military action amid Iran unrest
Experts warn that Iranian retaliation could trigger ongoing exchanges, risking a broader regional conflict. The Revolutionary Guards have stated any US strikes could prompt counterattacks against American bases in the Middle East, including locations in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently met Trump in Washington, emphasizing that any agreement with Iran must address Israeli security concerns. Meanwhile, Tehran has shown willingness to discuss nuclear curbs if sanctions are lifted, but refuses to link these talks to missile programs, keeping negotiations complex.