U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East are prepared to launch a potentially large-scale military operation against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from US President Donald Trump.
No final decision to launch the operation has been made, but U.S. Central Command and the Pentagon have developed an extensive list of potential targets, including Iranian military installations, energy infrastructure, and nuclear facilities according to new reporting from CNN.
The operation could be significantly broader than previous strikes against easily replaceable assets like radar systems and missile launchers. “It will be a big effort,” one U.S. official told CNN.
Officials familiar with the planning noted that President Trump has appeared to be weighing his options closely, with some sources suggesting any major undertaking could potentially come after the U.S. midterm elections.
However, insiders cautioned that the president has previously appeared ready to authorize military action before shifting direction.
The White House declined to comment on the operational specifics, while a senior Pentagon official maintained that the Defense Department’s ongoing responsibility is to prepare and execute military options ordered by the commander-in-chief.
