The U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack, raising alarms that tensions could escalate into a much bigger conflict in the Middle East.
Officials in Washington told Reuters that planning is now underway for sustained military action that would go far beyond short, limited strikes. These plans are meant to cover scenarios where the United States might carry out extended operations targeting Iranian state and security infrastructure, not just its nuclear facilities.
The preparations come amid ongoing diplomacy. U.S. envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were expected to meet Iranian representatives in Geneva, with Oman mediating. But U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said it remains “very hard” to reach a deal with Tehran.
The U.S. has already boosted military forces in the Middle East, sending an additional aircraft carrier, thousands of troops, fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers to the region. These forces are capable of both defensive and offensive actions, a sign that Washington is preparing for scenarios where diplomacy fails.
President Trump has publicly said that it has been difficult to make a deal with Iran. In speeches to troops, he suggested that regime change in Tehran “would be the best thing that could happen,” highlighting his frustration with negotiations.
U.S. leaders say they have not ruled out military action. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told reporters that “all options are on the table” regarding Iran, and that Trump will consider various perspectives before making a decision. The Pentagon declined to comment publicly on planning specifics.
Experts warn that a prolonged U.S. campaign against Iran would carry significant risks. Iran has a large arsenal of missiles and has previously shown it can strike U.S. interests in the region, meaning that any sustained operation could lead to retaliation and escalating conflict.
Iran has said it is prepared to negotiate limits on its nuclear program in return for lifting sanctions, but it has rejected linking those talks to its missile program or giving up strategic military capabilities. A diplomatic path remains the official preference of U.S. leadership, but preparations on the military side are clearly advancing.
