Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US forces stationed in West Asia are reportedly prepared to begin potentially large-scale military operations against Iran within 96 hours if President Donald Trump authorises an attack, according to a CNN report citing American officials familiar with military planning.
The proposed action could extend beyond limited strikes on radar systems, missile launchers and other military installations, potentially targeting a wider range of Iranian strategic assets. The report said US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Pentagon have been developing plans covering military facilities, energy infrastructure and nuclear sites.
One official described the potential operation as a “big effort”, while several current and former officials familiar with the discussions reportedly believe the possibility of renewed military action remains significant.
However, Trump has not made a final decision, and the White House declined to comment on the report. The officials also acknowledged that the president has previously considered military options before ultimately holding back.
Midterm elections could influence timing
According to CNN, some officials believe a decision could come before the end of 2026, with the period following the US midterm elections viewed as a more likely window for potential action.
The report also indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pressing Washington to support further strikes against Iran. US officials, however, have reportedly urged Israel to wait until the Trump administration is prepared for possible coordinated operations.
An Israeli security source cited by CNN said Netanyahu had sought approval for a joint operation before the elections but did not receive the green light.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz separately rejected reports of a confrontation between Netanyahu and military chief Eyal Zamir over the timing of a possible attack. Katz said Israel did not intend to initiate an attack on Iran before its own elections, while warning that any Iranian attack would draw a forceful response.
Concerns over Iranian retaliation
US intelligence assessments reportedly suggest that Iran and Yemen’s Houthi movement are taking the prospect of renewed American strikes seriously.
Sources familiar with the assessments told CNN that Tehran and the Houthis could retaliate against US personnel and facilities across the region if Washington or Israel launched fresh attacks. The response could potentially extend beyond the immediate region.
An October 23 memorandum from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly warned that Iran had stepped up efforts to target American personnel, with alleged plotting activities reaching advanced stages in parts of the Middle East and other countries.
Despite these concerns, intelligence officials reportedly believe Iran and the Houthis are unlikely to initiate a major escalation at present but would respond if Iran were attacked first.
The possibility of retaliation is also reportedly prompting preparations to reduce the number of US personnel at diplomatic facilities across West Asia. CNN reported that the US Embassy in Riyadh was under an ordered departure, with further restrictions or staffing reductions potentially being considered elsewhere.
A US official also said non-essential military personnel expected to join the next troop rotation to the region had been told not to deploy.
Strait of Hormuz adds to regional concerns
The situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains another factor in Washington’s calculations. Although the number of oil tankers passing through the strategic waterway has increased, oil prices remain elevated amid concerns about possible Iranian attacks.
One US official described the existing situation around the strait as “untenable” in the long term, suggesting that the pressure could influence Trump’s decision-making if diplomatic efforts fail to produce a breakthrough.
The report also raised questions about whether the administration has a clearly defined strategy for bringing the wider conflict to an end.
Israel prepares for possible coordinated action
Israeli officials have reportedly been preparing for the possibility of additional operations against Iran, while Washington has sought to coordinate the timing and scope of any potential campaign.
Sources cited by CNN said Israel may have agreed to delay immediate strikes partly because it requires American assistance with missile defence. A retaliatory campaign involving Iranian forces and the Houthis could place further pressure on Israel’s defensive weapons supplies.
The intelligence assessments cited in the report also reportedly questioned whether Netanyahu’s government had established a clear strategic objective beyond weakening Iran’s leadership and demonstrating progress.
Netanyahu said during a recent speech at an Israeli military graduation ceremony that he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces, Mossad and other security agencies to pursue the objective of toppling Iran’s regime.
For now, any fresh US military action remains contingent on a presidential decision. While military planning appears to be advancing, the timing, scope and ultimate objectives of a possible operation have not been publicly confirmed by the White House.
