US Prepares for Possible Weeks-Long Iran Ops

The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, US August 11, 2025.

The United States military is preparing for the possibility of sustained operations against Iran that could last several weeks if President Donald Trump authorises military action, according to two US officials familiar with the planning. Such a move could mark a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries.

The preparations come as diplomatic efforts continue. US and Iranian officials held talks in Oman last week aimed at easing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme. The discussions followed a US military build-up in the region that has raised concerns about potential conflict.

On Friday, US officials said the Pentagon was deploying an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East, along with thousands of troops, fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers. The reinforcements would be capable of both offensive strikes and defensive operations.

Speaking to troops in North Carolina, Trump acknowledged the difficulty of reaching an agreement with Iran, suggesting that pressure may be necessary to secure a deal. The White House later said all options remain under consideration, while stressing that the president would make any final decision based on national security interests. The Pentagon declined to comment.

Officials indicated that the current planning goes beyond limited strikes. In a prolonged campaign, US forces could target not only nuclear facilities but also Iranian state and security infrastructure. Analysts warn that such action would carry significant risks, given Iran’s missile capabilities and its likely retaliation.

Iran has repeatedly warned it would respond to any attack. The country’s Revolutionary Guards have said US bases in the region could become targets if Iranian territory is struck. The United States maintains military installations across the Middle East, including in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.

Tensions have also featured in talks between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. Netanyahu has said any agreement with Iran must safeguard Israel’s security interests.

While Iran has signalled willingness to discuss limits on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, it has rejected linking negotiations to its missile capabilities.