US Forces Ready for Major Iran Strike Within 96 Hours of Trump Order

U.S. forces in the Middle East are prepared to launch a broad new military operation against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from President Donald Trump, CNN reported, citing two American officials. According to the officials, the necessary forces are already deployed in the region, but the president has not yet made a final decision. The potential operation is expected to go beyond targeted strikes on radar and launcher sites. The U.S. Central Command and the Pentagon have developed a wide list of targets, including energy infrastructure, military sites, and nuclear facilities. Some sources estimate the decision could be made by the end of the year, likely after the U.S. midterm elections. The report also indicated that Prime Minister Netanyahu is pushing for further strikes in Iran, but American officials have asked Israel to wait for a joint operation. An Israeli security source told CNN that Netanyahu sought to advance a joint strike before Israeli elections, but Trump did not give the green light. The same source claimed one reason was a message from Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, suggesting such an operation could lead to the postponement of Israeli elections. Netanyahu denied a confrontation with the Chief of Staff in a recent interview. Amidst the preparations, sources familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments believe Iran and the Houthis are likely to respond to an attack by targeting American personnel and facilities in the region, and possibly beyond. The U.S. is reportedly planning to further reduce personnel at some of its Middle East embassies. The White House declined to comment. A senior Pentagon official stated that the Defense Department's role is to prepare and execute military options as directed by the President. Officials emphasized that Trump could change his stance, as he has in the past.