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US forces in the Middle East are prepared to launch major military operations against Iran, potentially within 96 hours of receiving an order, CNN reported.
Sources told the network that sufficient forces have already been deployed to the region for potential attacks. The scope of the possible operations goes beyond limited strikes intended to maintain the status quo by targeting Iranian radar systems, missile launchers and other facilities that could be quickly rebuilt.
Iran is now more familiar with US tactics, making it harder for American forces to effectively destroy all potential targets, one source told CNN.
“It would require a lot of effort,” the source said.
The Pentagon and US Central Command are developing an extensive list of potential targets, including Iranian energy infrastructure, military facilities and nuclear sites.
Trump’s position and Israeli pressure
US President Donald Trump has not made a final decision but appears to be leaning toward broader military action, officials told CNN. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pressing for renewed strikes against Iran.
“Netanyahu really wanted and tried to convince Trump to carry out a joint attack on Iran before the elections, but Trump did not agree,” a source in Israel’s security services told CNN.
US officials asked Netanyahu to postpone any strikes until the Trump administration was ready for joint action.
Risk of retaliation
According to US intelligence, Iran and the Houthis are taking seriously the possibility of renewed attacks by the United States and Israel. If new operations begin, they could respond immediately with strikes against US personnel and facilities in the region and beyond.
Recent media reports have suggested that Trump could launch a new phase of the war against Iran before or after the US midterm elections.
US intelligence has also warned that Iran may be preparing assassination attempts against American officials. Washington has reportedly begun quietly evacuating some diplomats from Middle Eastern countries.
