President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is contemplating a limited military strike on Iran. The statement was made during a governors' breakfast at the White House and comes at a time when the United States appears to be on the cusp of a significant confrontation in the Middle East. As the Pentagon finalizes plans that could target senior Iranian figures and possibly pursue regime change in Tehran, all eyes are on President Trump's decision-making process.
The Pentagon's high-stakes plans are contingent on President Trump's approval. Officials have emphasized that no military operation will proceed without his explicit command from the Oval Office. With the Pentagon reportedly preparing for a sustained campaign that could last weeks and target Iran's security facilities and nuclear infrastructure, the potential for conflict looms large.
A State Department insider revealed that President Trump has yet to decide, considering Iran's possible reaction and advice from his cabinet members. Two U.S. officials have indicated that the current military options are the most definitive indication that America is gearing up for serious conflict should diplomatic efforts fail entirely.
The U.S. military has significantly increased its presence in the region, marking the largest concentration of American firepower since the Iraq invasion. This buildup includes two aircraft carriers, a dozen warships, hundreds of fighter jets, and advanced air defense systems. Over 150 U.S. cargo flights have delivered weapons and ammunition to the Middle East, with an additional 50 fighter jets dispatched in the last 24 hours.
The array of military hardware being amassed in the region features F-35s, F-22s, and F-16s, with officials stating that the U.S. could be prepared to initiate military operations as early as Saturday, should President Trump give the order. This information has been reported by the Daily Mail, which notes that any potential campaign would likely involve coordination with Israel and surpass the scale of last year's 12-day conflict that targeted underground nuclear facilities in Iran.
Sources suggest that the operation could have existential implications for Tehran's regime and dramatically influence the Middle East for years. Plans under consideration reportedly include attempts to assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which would fundamentally change Iran's power structure.
Amid the military preparations, diplomatic talks in Geneva have taken place between Trump advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Although both sides claim progress after a three-hour meeting, officials acknowledge that significant gaps remain in negotiations.
In preparation for potential conflict, Israel is bracing for the possibility of war, with over 200 combat aircraft at the ready. Additionally, a second U.S. carrier strike group, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is expected to join the forces in the eastern Mediterranean.
