The United States military is prepared to launch major new attacks against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from President Donald Trump
The United States military is prepared to launch major new attacks against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from President Donald Trump, according to a CNN report citing US officials.
US forces deployed across West Asia are now considered sufficient to carry out the potential operation.
Unlike earlier strikes aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities, the next phase could target a wider range of sites, including energy infrastructure, military installations and nuclear facilities, the report said.
Trump has not made a final decision, officials told CNN.
However, some current and former officials familiar with military planning believe a fresh offensive could come before the end of the year, with the period after the US midterm elections seen as a likely window.
Iran and Houthis could retaliate against US forces
US intelligence assessments suggest Iran and Yemen’s Houthi rebels are taking the possibility of renewed American and Israeli attacks seriously, the report said, citing sources familiar with the assessments.
If Washington or Israel launches fresh strikes, Tehran and the Houthis could respond quickly by targeting US personnel and facilities across West Asia, with the possibility of attacks extending beyond the region.
An October 23 memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran had significantly increased efforts to target US personnel.
More from United StatesIntelligence officials believe Tehran is unlikely to launch a pre-emptive attack at present but would retaliate if US or Israeli forces strike first.
The threat has also prompted preparations to reduce the number of American personnel in the region.
The US embassy in Riyadh is already operating under an ordered departure, while other diplomatic missions could face similar restrictions or staff reductions.
Some nonessential US military personnel scheduled to join the next deployment rotation have also been told not to travel to the region.
Hormuz blockade adds to pressure on Washington
The continuing confrontation around the Strait of Hormuz is another factor shaping Washington’s calculations.
The US military is maintaining a blockade on Iranian ports while assisting commercial shipping through the strategically important waterway.
US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper visited the strait on Sunday, where he observed operations and met personnel involved in clearing Iranian mines.
Despite an increase in tanker movements, oil prices remain elevated amid fears of further attacks and disruption to energy supplies. One US official described the current situation around the strait as unsustainable over the longer term.
The pressure to find a way out of the standoff could push Trump towards military action if diplomatic efforts fail.
Israel seeks joint action, but Trump has held back
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pressed Washington to support fresh attacks on Iran, but US officials reportedly asked Israel to wait until both countries were ready for a joint operation.
According to the report, Israel had been preparing for further strikes and lobbying the Trump administration for support.
The plans now appear to have been delayed, with joint action potentially being considered after the US midterm elections.
The reported delay also comes amid tensions between Netanyahu and Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir. Israeli media reported that Zamir sought further discussions and legal authorisation for a proposed operation, fearing it could trigger an immediate escalation.
Israel’s defence minister, however, rejected the report.
Netanyahu has said his instructions to Israel’s military and intelligence agencies include efforts to topple Iran’s government. However, US intelligence assessments reportedly indicate that Israel’s leadership has yet to establish a clear strategic objective beyond weakening the Iranian regime.
