US Forces Prepare for Iran Operations

US forces stationed in the Middle East are prepared to conduct large-scale military operations against Iran within 96 hours if directed by President Donald Trump. Citing US officials, CNN reports that sufficient military strength is already deployed in the region to carry out strikes, though Trump has not yet made a final decision on launching a new offensive.

Military officials state that the planned operations could go beyond limited strikes targeting radar systems, missile batteries, and other military assets. US Central Command and the Pentagon are working on an expanded target list encompassing Iran's energy infrastructure, military installations, and nuclear facilities. Current and former US officials assess that a decision regarding new strikes could be made by the end of the year, particularly following the US midterm elections. However, officials also point out that Trump has previously appeared to support certain military steps only to back down at the last moment.

Meanwhile, US intelligence assessments point to growing concerns that Iran and the Houthis in Yemen could retaliate on a regional scale against potential new strikes by Washington and Israel. According to intelligence sources, in the event of a possible American targeting, Tehran and the Houthis could swiftly respond against American personnel and facilities in the region. A memo dated October 23 by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton stated that Iran has significantly increased its efforts to target US personnel and that these planning stages have reached advanced levels in the Middle East and certain other countries. Intelligence officials state that Iran and the Houthis are not expected to launch preemptive strikes, but could respond if the US or Israel makes the first move.

Information also indicates that Israel is making preparations for new strikes against Iran and seeking US support for this operation. Sources reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to persuade Trump for a joint strike ahead of the elections, but Trump did not give the green light. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office described the allegations as "fake news." Israel's decision to postpone the strikes is reportedly influenced by its depleting stockpile of missile defense systems during the course of the war and its need for US support against potential Iranian and Houthi retaliations. Meanwhile, Netanyahu stated during a military graduation ceremony this week that he has instructed the army and intelligence agencies to overthrow the Iranian regime.