The U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of sustained weeks‑long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack two senior U.S. officials told Reuters. The planning reflects a significant shift from prior limited strikes and could involve strikes not just on nuclear sites but also on Iranian state and security infrastructure increasing the potential scale and duration of U.S. action.
Officials said the Pentagon recently deployed additional aircraft carriers thousands of troops fighter aircraft and guided‑missile destroyers to the Middle East signalling a readiness for a far more serious military engagement if ordered. While details of specific targets remain under wraps due to the sensitive nature of the planning U.S. forces are preparing for operations that could extend over days or weeks rather than hours.
The disclosure by U.S. officials comes amid ongoing diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran with U.S. envoys expected to meet Iranian negotiators in Geneva in a bid to revive diplomacy over Tehran’s nuclear programme. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged that a deal remains difficult and President Trump has said he is keeping “all options on the table.”
Experts warn that any sustained campaign would carry heightened risks to U.S. forces as Iran possesses a formidable arsenal of missiles and could retaliate against U.S. bases and assets throughout the Middle East. Analysts also caution such action could escalate into a broader regional conflict if Tehran responds with counter‑strikes.
Despite the buildup U.S. officials emphasize that diplomacy continues in parallel with military preparedness reflecting a two‑track approach to managing the escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
