US forces are positioned in the Middle East, prepared to launch a major military operation against Iran. Should President Donald Trump issue the order, the operation could commence within 96 hours. This information was reported by CNN, citing two US officials.
According to the sources, the necessary number of troops has been deployed to the region to carry out a potential strike on Iran. The scope of this new military operation could extend well beyond mere “mowing the grass”—a term used for limited, status-quo-maintaining strikes—meaning it could go beyond restricted attacks on radar systems, missile launchers, and other Iranian assets that could be quickly reconstituted.
One official told CNN that this would be a “major effort.” Other current and former officials familiar with internal US military planning discussions have echoed this assessment.
Some suggest that the question is not whether Trump will order a military operation, but rather when he might do so.
Officials anticipate that Trump could issue an order for a new military operation against Iran at any point this year. Most believe it is more likely to occur following the US midterm elections.
US Officials Acknowledge Challenges
Iranian forces are now more familiar with US combat tactics, making it increasingly difficult for US forces to completely destroy all potential targets within Iran.
Nevertheless, officials at US Central Command and the Pentagon have identified a broader range of targets in Iran, including energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and military bases.
Officials noted that while Trump has not yet finalized his course of action for the period following the midterm elections, he is considering ordering a major operation against Iran.
At the same time, officials pointed out that on previous occasions, Trump has backed down at the very last moment after initially issuing an order. The White House has not commented.
A senior Pentagon official stated to CNN that the department is a structured organization, and its mandate is to execute military operations in accordance with the President’s directives.
A recent intelligence assessment indicates that Iran and its ally, the Houthis, are taking the prospect of potential military action by the United States and Israel very seriously.
Should the U.S. and Israel launch new attacks against Iran, Tehran and the Houthis are prepared to immediately retaliate by targeting U.S. military personnel and their associated facilities or bases.
Previously, citing a classified U.S. document dated October 23, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran has reached the final stages of preparation to strike American targets. Tehran could potentially launch attacks against U.S. personnel and citizens in various countries, including those in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing for fresh strikes against Iran. However, U.S. officials have urged him to hold off until the Trump administration is prepared to conduct a joint operation.
A source within the Israeli security establishment told CNN that Netanyahu has attempted to persuade Trump to authorize a joint strike on Iran before the election; however, he has yet to receive a green light from Trump.
Nevertheless, a source indicated that the plans are already prepared and awaiting Trump’s approval—an authorization that could potentially be granted following the midterm elections.
