Senior U.S. military officials are reportedly preparing for the possibility of extended military operations against Iran, with plans that could last for several weeks if a decision is made to use force, according to two U.S. government sources cited by Reuters.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the preparations are underway amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. The move comes as President Donald Trump keeps all strategic options on the table regarding Iran.
When asked about preparations for such a military campaign, White House spokesperson Ana Kelly declined to confirm specifics but emphasized that “President Trump has all options available regarding Iran.” She added that the president listens to a range of perspectives before making decisions based on what is best for the United States and national security.
The reported planning for sustained operations reflects growing concerns within U.S. defense circles about potential escalation in the region, particularly over Iran’s nuclear program and wider security posture.
Details about the nature of the possible operation, its scope, or specific military assets involved were not disclosed by the sources. It remains unclear whether the preparations include targeting specific sites within Iran or are focused on contingency plans for broader conflict scenarios.
The Trump administration has repeatedly stated it prefers a diplomatic solution, including ongoing negotiations aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, Tehran has shown resistance to some U.S. demands, and previous rounds of talks have yielded limited progress.
The announcement of strategic planning comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, where concerns about Iran’s influence and military capabilities have drawn significant U.S. attention.
Independent verification of the reported preparations could not be obtained.