The United States is preparing for the possibility of extended military operations against Iran if ordered by Donald Trump, according to officials familiar with internal planning, in what could mark a significant escalation between the longtime adversaries.
Officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said preparations envision not just a limited strike but a campaign that could last weeks, dramatically increasing the scope of confrontation. The disclosure comes as diplomatic efforts continue to seek a negotiated outcome over Tehran’s nuclear program, underscoring the fragile balance between negotiation and military action.
Talks between American and Iranian diplomats were held recently in Oman in an attempt to revive dialogue. At the same time, Washington has expanded its military presence in the region, deploying additional naval and air assets intended to provide both offensive capability and defensive protection for forces already stationed across the Middle East.
Speaking to troops in North Carolina, Trump acknowledged the challenges of reaching an agreement, saying negotiations had been difficult and suggesting that pressure could be necessary to force a resolution. The White House reiterated that all options remain available, while the Pentagon declined to comment on specific operational planning.
Unlike previous limited strikes, including last year’s single-operation attack on nuclear facilities, current contingency plans are described as more complex and potentially wider in scope. Officials indicated that a sustained campaign could involve targeting state and security infrastructure beyond atomic sites, a shift that would likely deepen the confrontation.
Analysts warn such an approach carries far greater risks to American personnel, as Tehran possesses a substantial missile arsenal capable of striking regional bases. U.S. planners reportedly expect retaliation, raising the possibility of repeated exchanges that could draw in neighboring states and threaten broader stability.
Iranian leaders, including the powerful Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, have warned that any attack on their territory would trigger responses against American installations throughout the region. The US maintains military facilities in multiple countries, including Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Turkey, all of which could become exposed in a widening conflict.
The tensions also intersect with Israeli security concerns. Benjamin Netanyahu met Trump in Washington this week, emphasizing that any agreement must address issues vital to Israel’s security. Israeli officials have long argued that limits on nuclear development must be accompanied by restrictions on missile capabilities, a linkage Tehran has rejected.
Iranian authorities say they remain open to discussing curbs on nuclear activity in exchange for sanctions relief but insist that their missile program is non-negotiable. With military preparations accelerating even as diplomacy continues, the region faces a volatile moment in which miscalculation could transform political pressure into sustained conflict.
