WASHINGTON — The U.S. military is preparing for potential weeks-long operations against Iran should President Donald Trump order an attack, according to two U.S. officials, raising the stakes in ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two countries.
Potential for Sustained Conflict
The officials, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the planning, indicated the possibility of a more serious conflict than previously anticipated. Diplomats from the U.S. and Iran held talks in Oman last week in an attempt to revive diplomacy regarding Tehran’s nuclear program, following increased U.S. military presence in the region.
On Friday, U.S. officials announced the deployment of an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East, along with thousands of troops, fighter aircraft, and other military assets.
The USS Gerald R. Ford will join the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, which already includes several guided-missile destroyers, fighter jets, and surveillance aircraft. The Gerald R. Ford, the newest and largest U.S. aircraft carrier, recently operated in the Caribbean and participated in operations off the coast of Venezuela earlier this year.
Trump’s Remarks on Iran
Speaking to U.S. troops in North Carolina on Friday, Trump acknowledged the difficulty in reaching an agreement with Iran. “Sometimes you have to have fear. That’s the only thing that really will get the situation taken care of,” he stated.
When asked about the possibility of regime change in Iran, Trump suggested it “seems like that would be the best thing that could happen,” though he declined to name potential successors, stating, “there are people.”
Trump also referenced past conflicts, saying, “For 47 years, they’ve been talking and talking and talking. In the meantime, we’ve lost a lot of lives while they talk. Legs blown off, arms blown off, faces blown off. We’ve been going on for a long time.”
Regarding potential targets within Iran, Trump stated that if action were taken against Iran’s nuclear facilities, it would be “the least of the mission,” adding, “we probably grab whatever is left.” He was referencing previous U.S. strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that President Trump “has all options on the table with regard to Iran” and “makes the final decision based on what is best for our country and national security.” The Pentagon declined to comment on the preparations for a potential sustained military operation.
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