US Military Prepares Major Strike Plans for Iran if Trump Decides
Military forces positioned across the Middle East have completed preparations for potential large-scale operations against Iran. According to officials, the US military is capable of executing these strikes within 96 hours of receiving authorization from President Donald Trump. Sufficient forces are currently deployed in the region to support such a mission, which is expected to extend well beyond previous efforts to simply “mow the lawn” by striking easily replaced radar or launcher sites.
Internal discussions among current and former officials suggest that while the President has not made a final decision regarding post-midterm actions, he appears to be leaning toward authorizing significant military engagement. One official described the potential mission as a “big effort.” While specific timelines remain fluid, some analysts expect a decision could materialize before the year concludes, likely following the upcoming midterm elections. The Pentagon and US Central Command have been developing an extensive target list that includes Iranian nuclear facilities, military infrastructure, and energy sites, despite acknowledging that Iranian forces have become increasingly adept at anticipating American tactics. Though most likely after the US midterm elections, they believe it could come any time before the end of the year. And it would therefore be harder for the American military to effectively destroy all potential intended targets, iranian forces are now more familiar with US tactics.
The White House has declined to comment on these plans. A senior Pentagon official noted that the department acts as a planning organization tasked with developing and executing military options as ordered by the Commander-in-Chief. Meanwhile, regional intelligence indicates that Tehran and Houthi rebels are treating the threat of renewed US and potential Israeli strikes with extreme gravity. Intelligence analysts warn that if such operations occur, retaliation targeting American facilities and personnel throughout the region is highly probable.
An October 23 memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted that Iran has significantly intensified efforts to target US personnel, with various plots reaching advanced stages across the Middle East and other countries. Consequently, the US has begun quietly extracting diplomatic staff from several embassies. While the US Embassy in Riyadh currently remains the only facility under an ordered departure, others are expected to face similar directives or personnel caps. Furthermore, nonessential military personnel scheduled for upcoming rotations have been redirected to prevent their arrival in the region.
Operational activity remains high, with CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper conducting a recent aerial inspection of the Strait of Hormuz. During the visit, Cooper met with troops responsible for clearing the waterway of Iranian-laid mines and reiterated the American commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation. Despite these efforts and a sustained US-led blockade of Iranian ports, oil prices remain elevated due to the persistent threat of conflict. Some officials describe the current regional status quo as unsustainable in the long term, which may serve as a driver for the President to authorize military intervention. According to “We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Gulf partners and the shipping industry,” Cooper, In a news release. “This visit underscores our strong commitment to continued freedom of navigation through the St.
Coordination efforts with Israel also remain a factor in the regional strategy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has actively lobbied for new strikes, but senior US officials have urged him to exercise restraint, favoring a joint operational approach. An Israeli security source confirmed that Netanyahu sought an earlier joint attack, but President Trump did not provide the necessary approval. According to the same source, one factor in the delay was concern from IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who warned that early, uncoordinated strikes could interfere with Israeli election schedules. But officials also caution that Trump has appeared in the past to lean toward certain actions only to back off at the last moment. According to netanyahu, This week in a speech at an IDF graduation ceremony that his directive to the IDF, the Mossad and other security branches is to topple the regime in Iran. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, that it would harm the elections in Israel and lead to their postponement, the Israeli security source added. The source briefed on the matter added, israel seemed to agree to delaying new strikes on Iran in part because it needs US support for missile defense.
While Israel has slowed its immediate plans, it continues to build capacity for potential joint operations with the United States. Recent intelligence assessments suggest that Netanyahu’s administration remains focused on regime degradation, though questions persist regarding long-term strategic objectives beyond short-term tactical displays of progress. According to two additional sources familiar with the matt, recent US intelligence assessments indicate Iran and Houthi rebels are taking the possibility of renewed attacks by the US and potentially Israel very seriously. Kevin Liptak contributed to this report.
