US Military Gears Up for Extended Operations in Iran as Tensions Escalate

Officials indicate that the Pentagon is preparing for ongoing strikes on Iran while Trump considers his options and diplomatic efforts persist in Geneva.

The US military is gearing up for the potential of prolonged operations lasting several weeks against Iran, should President Donald Trump give the order for an attack, as reported by two US officials to Reuters.

Officials, who requested to remain anonymous because of the sensitive nature of the planning, indicated that preparations are underway for a conflict that may be significantly more serious than past confrontations between Washington and Tehran.

The announcement arrives as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner get ready to engage in negotiations with Iran in Geneva on Tuesday, with Oman serving as the mediator. On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that although Trump favors a diplomatic resolution, achieving that is quite challenging.

Trump has expanded the US military presence in the Middle East. On Friday, officials confirmed that the Pentagon is deploying an additional aircraft carrier to the region, along with thousands of extra troops, fighter aircraft, and guided missile destroyers.

Following a military event at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Trump candidly suggested the possibility of regime change in Tehran, stating that it “seems like that would be the best thing that could happen.” He chose not to specify a preferred successor, remarking, “there are people.”

“For 47 years, they’ve been discussing and discussing and discussing,” Trump stated.

While Trump has shown hesitance in the past regarding the deployment of ground troops, remarking last year that “the last thing you want to do is ground forces,” the assets now in place indicate a focus on air and naval strikes as potential options.

A US official stated that in a prolonged campaign, American forces could focus on Iranian state and security facilities, in addition to nuclear infrastructure. The official chose not to disclose additional operational details.

The same official indicated that the United States fully anticipates Iran’s retaliation, which could result in extended cycles of strikes and reprisals.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated, “President Trump has all options on the table with regard to Iran.”

“He considers a range of viewpoints on any issue, yet ultimately decides based on what serves the best interests of our country and national security,” Kelly added.

The Pentagon chose not to provide a comment.

Trump has consistently warned of potential military action regarding Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as its suppression of dissent. On Thursday, he cautioned that not achieving a diplomatic resolution would be “extremely traumatic, extremely traumatic.”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has issued a warning that it will respond to any attacks on Iranian territory by targeting US military bases. The United States has established military bases throughout the Middle East, situated in countries such as Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met with Trump in Washington on Wednesday, stated that any agreement with Iran “must include the elements that are vital to Israel.”

In the meantime, Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi informed Reuters that US military intervention might hasten the downfall of Iran’s leadership.

“We are optimistic that this attack will accelerate the process, allowing the people to return to the streets and push towards the ultimate downfall of the regime,” said Pahlavi.

As diplomatic efforts unfold in Geneva, US military strategies indicate that Washington is bracing for the likelihood of unsuccessful negotiations, paving the way for a potentially extended and unstable conflict in the area.