Iran strike preparations await Trump decision, US officials say

Iran strike preparations have left US forces in the Middle East able to act within 96 hours of a presidential order, according to reports published on October 28 and 29. President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on renewed attacks, diplomats briefed on the discussions said.

Two US officials said enough military assets were already in the region for the potential operation. The reported planning envisages a campaign that could be broader and more sustained than recent limited attacks.

Military leaders are considering options beyond strikes on radars, missile launchers and other infrastructure that Iran could quickly restore. The reports describe preparations and expectations among officials, rather than an announced timetable for military action.

Regional allies warned of possible retaliation

Several current and former US officials familiar with planning expect Trump could approve operations before the end of the year. They regard the period after the American midterm elections as the more likely window, according to the reported accounts.

Two diplomats said Washington had alerted countries in the Middle East and regional partners to the possibility of fresh attacks after the elections. Those warnings also addressed the risk of Iranian retaliation against countries in the region.

The Iran strike preparations follow Trump’s renewed threats of force if Tehran does not agree to restrictions on its nuclear programme. At a campaign appearance in Florida last Friday, he raised the possibility of another operation while also suggesting an agreement remained possible.

The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran in February under Operation Epic Fury. Trump later suspended full-scale combat operations, and the contemplated campaign could go further than the more limited strikes carried out since that suspension.

Officials’ expectations of approval remain distinct from a presidential order. According to the diplomats’ account, the decision on whether to launch another round of attacks was still outstanding.

Also read: Brett Sylvia removed from Pentagon planning role amid Iran strike debate | Trump Iran remarks combine leadership claims with negotiation doubts