Urdu Report Desk
The United States has completed preparations for a possible large-scale military operation against Iran in the Middle East, and strikes could begin within 96 hours if President Donald Trump gives the go-ahead, CNN has reported, citing US officials.
The potential operation could target Iranian military installations, energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities. However, Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether to launch the attacks.
According to CNN, two US officials said American forces stationed in the Middle East were ready for possible military action, with substantial military resources already deployed across the region. The proposed operation could be significantly broader than previous limited military strikes.
One US official described the potential action as a major operation. Current and former officials familiar with US military planning believe Trump could order strikes at any time, although a key decision is considered more likely after the US midterm elections.
Trump has previously appeared to support military action before changing his position at the last moment. The White House has declined to comment on the latest reports.
A senior Pentagon official said the Defense Department’s responsibility was to plan military operations and carry out orders issued by the president.
Potential Targets and Military Challenges
US Central Command and the Pentagon are preparing a list of potential targets in Iran, including energy facilities, military installations and nuclear sites.
However, US officials acknowledge that Iran has become more familiar with American military strategies, potentially making it more difficult for US forces to destroy all intended targets.
Intelligence Warns of Possible Iranian Retaliation
Recent US intelligence assessments indicate that Iran and Yemen’s Houthi group are taking seriously the possibility of renewed attacks by the United States and potentially Israel.
US intelligence officials believe Tehran and the Houthis could respond quickly if Washington and Israel launch attacks against Iran. Such retaliation could target American military personnel and facilities across the region, with the conflict potentially spreading beyond the Middle East.
An unclassified memorandum sent by US Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 23 reportedly stated that Iran had significantly increased its efforts to target American personnel. According to the report, related planning in the Middle East and some other countries had also reached advanced stages.
Nevertheless, US intelligence officials assess that Iran and the Houthis are unlikely to launch pre-emptive attacks against the United States or Israel at present. They believe, however, that Iran would be unlikely to refrain from retaliating if it were attacked first.
US Reduces Diplomatic and Military Personnel
Amid concerns about a possible escalation, the United States is preparing to reduce its diplomatic presence in parts of the Middle East.
CNN reported that staff at the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, had already been instructed to prepare for the departure of non-essential personnel. Similar instructions could be issued to other American diplomatic missions in the region.
The United States has also decided to cancel the planned deployment of certain non-essential military personnel who were due to travel to the Middle East as part of routine troop rotations. These measures reflect concerns about the potential security risks associated with renewed military confrontation.
US CENTCOM Chief Visits Strait of Hormuz
US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper visited the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday as American forces continued enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports and supporting maritime traffic through the strategically important waterway.
According to CENTCOM, Cooper surveyed the situation in the strait by helicopter and met military personnel involved in removing Iranian naval mines from the shipping route.
Cooper said the United States remained firmly committed to its Gulf partners and the maritime shipping industry. He added that the visit demonstrated Washington’s determination to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil Prices Remain Elevated Amid Security Concerns
Oil prices remain high despite an increase in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, partly because of concerns about a possible Iranian response to further military action.
One US official warned that the current situation in the strait could not be sustained indefinitely. The official suggested that if diplomatic efforts failed to produce progress at the last moment, Trump could opt for military action.
With US forces reportedly prepared for possible military action, diplomatic efforts and decisions by Washington and its regional partners are likely to play a crucial role in determining whether the tensions escalate into a broader conflict.
