US military preparing for potentially weeks-long Iran operations

The U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack, two U.S. officials told Reuters, in what could become a far more serious conflict than previously seen between the countries.

The disclosure by the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the planning, raises the stakes for the diplomacy underway between the United States and Iran.

U.S. and Iranian diplomats met in Oman last week to try to restart talks on Tehran’s nuclear program, following Trump’s buildup of military forces in the region, which stirred concerns about possible new military action.

On Friday, U.S. officials announced that the Pentagon is sending another aircraft carrier to the Middle East, along with thousands of additional troops, fighter jets, guided-missile destroyers, and other powerful weapons for both offensive and defensive operations.

On Friday, speaking to U.S. troops at a base in North Carolina, Trump said it had “been difficult to make a deal” with Iran.

“Sometimes you have to have fear. That’s the only thing that really will get the situation taken care of,” Trump said.

U.S. and Iranian diplomats met in Oman last week to try to revive talks on Tehran’s nuclear program, following a military buildup in the region under Trump that sparked concerns about possible new military action.

On Friday, U.S. officials announced that the Pentagon is deploying another aircraft carrier to the Middle East, along with thousands of additional troops, fighter jets, guided-missile destroyers, and other powerful military assets for both offense and defense.

Asked for comment on the preparations for a potentially sustained U.S. military operation, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said: “President Trump has all options on the table with regard to Iran.”

“He listens to a variety of perspectives on any given issue, but makes the final decision based on what is best for our country and national security,” Kelly said.

The Pentagon declined to comment.

The United States sent two aircraft carriers to the region last year, when it carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear sites.

In June, the “Midnight Hammer” operation was basically a one-time U.S. strike, with stealth bombers flying from the United States to hit Iranian nuclear sites. Iran responded with a small-scale retaliatory attack on a U.S. base in Qatar.