The US military is preparing for the possibility of prolonged, weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack, two US officials familiar with the planning told Reuters.
The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic, state that a possible conflict could be significantly more serious than the previous tensions between the two countries.
Diplomatic efforts and build-up of forces
The announcement comes at a time when diplomatic attempts to reduce tensions are ongoing. US and Iranian diplomats met in Oman last week in an attempt to renew talks on Iran’s nuclear program after Washington deployed additional military forces to the region, raising fears of new military action.
According to US officials, the Pentagon decided on Friday to send an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East, along with thousands of troops, fighter jets, guided missile destroyers and other military equipment capable of carrying out and repelling attacks.
Trump, speaking to US soldiers at a base in North Carolina, said it was “difficult to get a deal” with Iran.
“Sometimes you have to have fear. That’s the only thing that can really solve a situation,” Trump said.
Asked about preparations for a potentially lengthy operation, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the president “has all options on the table when it comes to Iran.”
“He listens to different views on every issue, but he makes the final decision based on what’s best for our country and national security,” Kelly said.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the allegations.
Possible wider attack targets
Last year, the United States sent two aircraft carriers to the region during strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Operation Midnight Hammer at the time was a one-off attack, in which stealth bombers took off from the US and targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran responded with a limited attack on the US base in Qatar.
According to officials, the current planning is much more complex. In the event of a prolonged campaign, the US military could target Iran’s state and security institutions, not just nuclear infrastructure.
Growing risks and the possibility of regional conflict
Experts warn that the risk to US forces would be significantly higher in a possible long-term operation, since Iran has a significant arsenal of missiles. Iranian retaliatory strikes could increase the danger of a wider regional conflict.
One of the officials pointed out that Washington fully expects Iranian retaliation, which could lead to a series of mutual strikes and counterattacks over a longer period.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to bomb Iran because of its nuclear and ballistic programs, as well as because of the suppression of internal protests. On Thursday, he warned that the alternative to a diplomatic solution would be “very traumatic”.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard threatened that, in the event of an attack on Iranian territory, it could retaliate with attacks on any American military base in the region. The US has bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Trump in Washington, saying that any agreement with Iran “must contain elements that are vital to Israel.”
Tehran has said it is willing to discuss limits on its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, but rejects linking the issue to ballistic missile development.
