The US military is positioning itself for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran should President Donald Trump order an attack, according to two US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the planning. Such a campaign would represent a far more serious conflict than the countries have previously engaged in.
The disclosure comes as diplomatic efforts between the two nations are underway. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to hold negotiations with Iran on Tuesday in Geneva, with representatives from Oman acting as mediators.
On Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the administration’s dual approach, stating that while Trump’s preference is to reach a deal with Tehran, “That’s very hard to do.”
The military buildup in the region has intensified fears of new action. US officials confirmed Friday that the Pentagon is sending an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East, along with thousands more troops and enhanced firepower capable of both waging attacks and defending against them.
When asked Friday whether he would seek regime change in Iran, Trump responded, “Well, it seems like that would be the best thing that could happen. For 47 years, they’ve been talking and talking and talking. In the meantime, we’ve lost a lot of lives.”
Despite his hawkish rhetoric, Trump has long expressed skepticism about sending ground troops into Iran. The current US firepower being arrayed in the Middle East suggests any strike options would likely be conducted primarily by air and naval forces.
A White House spokesperson addressed the preparations for a potentially sustained operation, saying, “President Trump has all options on the table with regard to Iran.” The Pentagon declined to comment on the record.
According to one of the officials, a sustained campaign could target Iranian state and security facilities in addition to nuclear infrastructure, though the official declined to provide specific details.
Experts warn that the risks to US forces would be significantly higher in such an operation against Iran, which maintains a formidable arsenal of missiles. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has cautioned that in the event of strikes on Iranian territory, it could retaliate against any US military presence in the region.
Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as its crackdown on internal dissent.
