Washington Ready to Strike Iran Within 96 Hours: Has Trump’s Moment Arrived?

Two US officials said American forces in the Middle East were ready to carry out new military operations against Iran, potentially on a large scale, within 96 hours of receiving an order from President Donald Trump, according to CNN.

The network quoted the officials as saying that US forces deployed in the region were now sufficient to conduct the potential attacks. They indicated that operations could go beyond the limited strikes intended to preserve the status quo by targeting Iranian radars, launchers and other military assets.

One official described the operation to CNN as a “major effort”. Current and former US officials familiar with military discussions said planning was under way for potentially broader attacks. They expected Trump could make a decision before the end of the year, most likely after the US midterm elections.

Trump has not made a final decision on the next steps, according to the officials, although some believe he is leaning towards large-scale military action. They noted, however, that he has previously favoured military options before reversing course at the last moment.

Potential Targets

CNN reported that US Central Command and the Department of Defense were preparing an extensive list of potential targets inside Iran, including energy facilities, military sites and nuclear installations.

US officials nevertheless acknowledged that Iranian forces had become more familiar with American tactics, potentially making it harder to destroy every designated target.

The White House declined to comment. A senior Defense Department official said the department’s role was to prepare military options and carry out the president’s orders.

Meanwhile, recent US intelligence assessments indicate that Iran and the Houthis are taking the possibility of renewed American, and potentially Israeli, attacks seriously, according to two sources familiar with the assessments.