US Army Prepares for Major Operation Against Iran
A US official expects that a potential operation could target Iranian government and security facilities, as well as nuclear infrastructure.
The US military is preparing to carry out continuous operations lasting several weeks against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack, which could spark the most serious conflict in the history of the strained relations between the two countries.
On Friday, US officials said the Department of Defense, the Pentagon, would deploy an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East, adding thousands of troops, fighter jets, guided missile destroyers, and other offensive and defensive firepower.
Speaking to US forces at a base in North Carolina, Trump said, “It’s difficult to make a deal with Iran. Sometimes you have to make them afraid. That’s the only thing that really solves the problem.”
The president expressed support for a potential change of regime in Iran and announced that a “massive force” would soon be in the Middle East, while the Pentagon sent a second aircraft carrier to the region.
When asked about preparations for a possible long-term US military operation, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said, “Trump is keeping all options on the table regarding Iran.”
She added, “He listens to a variety of viewpoints on any given issue, but makes the final decision based on what is best for our country and national security.”
The United States previously deployed two aircraft carriers to the region last year during strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. However, the “Midnight Hammer” operation in June was a one-time US attack, with stealth bombers departing from the United States to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran then launched a very limited retaliatory attack on a US base in Qatar.
Officials said that planning this time is far more complex. The US military could strike Iranian government and security facilities as part of an extended campaign, not just nuclear infrastructure. No specific details were provided.
Experts warn that the risks to US forces would be significantly higher in such an operation against Iran, which possesses a substantial missile arsenal. Iranian retaliatory strikes would also increase the risk of a regional conflict.
The official noted that the United States fully expects Tehran to respond, leading to exchanges of strikes and retaliations over an extended period.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike Iran due to its nuclear and ballistic programs and domestic repression of opposition. On Thursday, he warned that the alternative to a diplomatic solution would be “extremely painful.”
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has warned that if strikes occur on Iranian territory, it may respond by attacking any US military base.
The United States maintains bases across the Middle East, including in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Turkey.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Trump in Washington on Wednesday, stating that if an agreement is reached with Iran, “it must include key elements important to Israel.”
