U.S. Military Ready to Launch Large-Scale Attack on Iran Within 96 Hours of Trump's Order

Sufficient forces deployed in the Middle East
Targets under review include military, energy, and nuclear facilities

The U.S. military is ready to launch a new large-scale operation against Iran within 96 hours if ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, CNN reported on the 26th (local time), citing two U.S. officials.

U.S. President Donald Trump. White House.

According to CNN, the officials said that enough forces are currently deployed in the Middle East to carry out an operation. The new operation is likely to go beyond striking military facilities that Iran could relatively quickly restore, such as radar systems and missile launchers. U.S. Central Command and the Defense Department are reportedly reviewing a broad list of potential targets, including Iran's energy infrastructure, military facilities and nuclear facilities.

Some current and former officials told CNN that the key question is not whether President Trump will order an operation, but when, and that it is more likely to happen after the midterm elections. However, U.S. officials said it is difficult to predict whether or when he will issue an order, noting that he has considered military action in the past but backed away at the last minute.

As tensions escalate, Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, flew by helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz the previous day to survey the deployment of forces in the area. He emphasized the U.S. commitment to upholding freedom of navigation through the strait, he said.

A U.S. official told CNN that the judgment that the current situation cannot be sustained for long may influence President Trump's decision on military action, as oil prices remain high despite an increase in tanker traffic.

Israel has also reportedly been preparing for new attacks. Israeli security sources told CNN that Israel, which has spent the past week or so preparing for the possibility of renewed attacks on Iran, asked the United States to support new airstrikes and supplement its operations. U.S. leaders reportedly asked Israel to hold off on attacking for now, while signaling the possibility of future joint operations between the two countries.

Iran and Yemen's pro-Iranian Houthi rebels are also preparing for the United States and Israel to resume attacks. Sources familiar with recent U.S. intelligence assessments told CNN that if the United States and Israel launch a new military operation, Iran and the Houthis are highly likely to retaliate immediately by targeting U.S. personnel and facilities in the Middle East and, in some cases, beyond the region.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.