The US military is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack, two US officials told Reuters, in what could become a far more serious conflict than previously seen between the countries. The disclosure by officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the planning, raises the stakes for the ongoing diplomacy between the United States and Iran.
US and Iranian diplomats held talks in Oman last week in an effort to revive diplomacy over Tehran's nuclear program, after Trump amassed military forces in the region, raising fears of new military action.
US officials said on Friday that the Pentagon was sending an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East, adding thousands more troops, fighter aircraft, guided-missile destroyers, and other firepower capable of conducting attacks and defending against them.
US officials said on Friday that the Pentagon was sending an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East, adding thousands more troops, fighter aircraft, guided-missile destroyers, and other firepower capable of conducting attacks and defending against them.
Trump, speaking to US troops on Friday at a base in North Carolina, said it had "been difficult to make a deal" with Iran. "Sometimes you have to have fear. That's the only thing that really will get the situation taken care of," Trump said. Asked for comment on the preparations for a potentially sustained US military operation, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said: "President Trump has all options on the table with regard to Iran." "He listens to a variety of perspectives on any given issue, but makes the final decision based on what is best for our country and national security," Kelly said. The Pentagon declined to comment. The United States sent two aircraft carriers to the region last year when it carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. (Read More)
