Possible US operation in Iran could target state buildings - Reuters
The Pentagon is preparing for a special operation in Iran (Photo: Getty Images)
The US Department of War is preparing troops for a potential operation against Iran that, according to military planning, could last several weeks if President Donald Trump gives the appropriate order, Reuters reports.
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According to the agency’s sources, this could become a much broader conflict than previous clashes between the US and Iran.
Planning for such actions is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, including recent talks in Oman, which aimed to restore diplomacy between the countries after the increase in the US military presence in the region.
The US Department of War is already deploying additional forces to the Middle East - among them a second aircraft carrier, thousands of troops, fighter jets, missile destroyers, and other combat units capable of both striking and defending in the event of an attack.
One official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, noted that the current planning is more complex than the previous operation, which targeted only nuclear infrastructure sites.
In the event of a prolonged conflict, US armed forces could also strike Iranian state and security facilities, not just nuclear ones.
Experts warn that the threat of strikes from Iran and the country’s powerful missile arsenal increases the risk of escalation and a possible expansion of the conflict across the entire region. US military officials expect that Tehran could respond to attacks with retaliatory strikes over an extended period.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the president has all options on the table regarding Iran but did not disclose details of any planned operation.
Reuters stresses that these measures are taking place amid ongoing threats by Donald Trump to strike Iran over its nuclear and ballistic programs, as well as in response to the suppression of domestic protests.
Iran, as previously reported, has said it is ready to discuss limits on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, but has refused to link this to the issue of ballistic missiles.
RBC-Ukraine earlier wrote that Trump explained how Tehran could avoid strikes from Washington. According to him, representatives of the regime should conclude the right deal with the US, which would involve abandoning nuclear and missile programs.
