According to Reuters, the U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of sustained operations against Iran that could last for weeks if President Donald Trump decides to act. Two U.S. officials, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the planning, said this would be far more serious than previous clashes between the two countries. In other words, this isn’t a one-night drill — this is serious chess, not checkers.
The revelation comes as diplomacy continues between Washington and Tehran. U.S. and Iranian diplomats met in Oman last week to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, after Trump moved additional U.S. forces into the region. Apparently, peace talks are more persuasive when backed by aircraft carriers.
On Friday, U.S. officials confirmed the Pentagon is sending another aircraft carrier to the Middle East, along with fighter aircraft, guided-missile destroyers, and thousands more troops. That’s what preparedness looks like — not hashtags.
Trump, speaking to U.S. troops at a base in North Carolina, admitted negotiations with Iran have been difficult. He added that sometimes fear is the only thing that gets results. Translation: deterrence still works, even if some people pretend it doesn’t.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Trump has “all options on the table” regarding Iran and makes decisions based on what is best for the country and national security. The White House and Pentagon declined to comment further on risks of retaliation or regional conflict.
Last year, the U.S. sent two aircraft carriers to the region and carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. June’s “Midnight Hammer” operation was a single, targeted attack using stealth bombers flying from the United States. Iran responded with only a limited strike on a U.S. base in Qatar.
This time, officials say planning is more complex. A sustained campaign could target not only nuclear infrastructure but also Iranian state and security facilities. Experts note that Iran has a large missile arsenal, meaning retaliation would be expected and could lead to back-and-forth strikes over time.
Trump has repeatedly warned Iran over its nuclear and missile programs and its suppression of internal dissent. He said Thursday that the alternative to diplomacy would be “very traumatic.” Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, for their part, warned they could retaliate against U.S. bases throughout the Middle East, including in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Trump in Washington this week, saying any deal with Iran must include elements vital to Israel. Iran has said it is willing to discuss limits on its nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions, but refuses to link that issue to its missile program.
What this all shows is simple: Trump is using strength to push for diplomacy, not running from tough decisions. The message is clear — America is prepared, allies are being considered, and national security comes first. And whether through talks or force, the goal remains the same: keeping dangerous regimes in check and keeping Americans safe.
