US Military Ready for Iran Strike, Trump Decision Pending

The United States has completed military preparations for a potential strike against Iran and has coordinated actions with Israel, but President Donald Trump has not yet given the final order. Washington is also considering a diplomatic path that could delay a resumption of hostilities, according to a high-ranking political source cited by Israel Hayom. The increased military threat stems from intelligence indicating Iran's acceleration of its nuclear program and the restoration of its missile capabilities.

US military forces have finalized necessary preparations and coordinated with regional partners, with Israel playing a significant role due to its potential as a primary target for an Iranian response. The likelihood of a US strike is currently assessed as high, though any decision by Trump might not lead to an immediate operation, with military actions potentially postponed until late November.

The primary obstacle remains the pursuit of a diplomatic agreement, with Qatar, Turkey, and Pakistan acting as mediators. One proposed option involves a temporary ceasefire for several weeks in exchange for easing Iran's economic sanctions, contingent on Iran meeting specific conditions. However, significant differences persist between Washington and Tehran, as the US administration is unwilling to make concessions without concrete Iranian commitments on its nuclear program and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump has discussed these potential scenarios with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, informing him about mediation efforts and possible courses of action. The White House acknowledges that negotiations could fail, potentially making military action the main tool to pressure Iran's leadership. Tehran, meanwhile, hopes that a Democratic victory in the US midterm elections might limit Trump's options and reduce the probability of an attack, though Trump has stated his decisions will not be tied to election outcomes.

Gulf states are divided, fearing that a new war could disrupt oil infrastructure and maritime transport, leading to severe economic losses. Calls for negotiation were reiterated at a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Bahrain, where Secretary General Jassim al-Budawi emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution. However, regional states also expect reciprocal steps from Tehran, as ongoing threats to tankers and warnings of potential attacks on neighboring countries fuel fears of escalation.

Arab nations are reportedly willing to endure temporary economic hardship if a military operation leads to the overthrow of the Iranian regime or the long-term elimination of its military threat, citing their financial reserves. However, they are unwilling to pay such a price for a limited operation without a clear outcome. Egypt also opposes a hasty resumption of war, with Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Atti warning that a new conflict could be far more destructive than the previous one and affect the entire Middle East without achieving political settlement. For Israel, the critical question is whether a US operation can permanently halt Iran's nuclear and missile programs, which will determine the future confrontation with Tehran.