US Forces on High Alert for Major Iran Strikes, Awaiting Trump's Order

US forces stationed in the Middle East are prepared to initiate significant military operations against Iran within 96 hours of receiving a directive from President Donald Trump, according to two US officials. These officials confirmed that sufficient forces are currently deployed in the region to execute potential attacks. The scope of these proposed US military operations is expected to go beyond previous efforts, which focused on striking assets like radars and launchers that could be quickly restored. These earlier actions were aimed at maintaining the status quo after Trump halted full combat operations earlier this year.

“It will be a big effort,” one official told CNN, a sentiment echoed by other current and former US officials familiar with internal military planning. Some believe it is a matter of when, not if, Trump will authorize such action, potentially before the end of the year but more likely after the US midterm elections. US officials acknowledge potential challenges, noting that Iranian forces are increasingly familiar with US tactics, which could make it harder to effectively neutralize all intended targets. Nevertheless, leaders within US Central Command and the Pentagon have developed an extensive target list that includes Iranian energy infrastructure, military sites, and nuclear facilities.

While Trump has not definitively decided on a course of action post-midterms, he appears inclined towards ordering major action. However, officials caution that Trump has previously shown interest in certain actions only to withdraw at the last minute. The White House has declined to comment. A senior Pentagon official stated, “The Department is a planning organization, and its job is to develop and execute military options ordered by the President.”

Recent US intelligence assessments suggest that Iran and Houthi rebels are taking the possibility of renewed attacks by the US and potentially Israel very seriously, according to two additional sources. If such operations commence, Tehran and the Houthis are expected to retaliate immediately by targeting American personnel and facilities in the region and possibly beyond. A memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that US intelligence has found Iran has significantly increased efforts to target US personnel, with plotting reaching advanced stages in the Middle East and other countries. US intelligence officials believe preemptive attacks by Iran or the Houthis are unlikely at this point, but they would respond if Iran is targeted first by US or Israeli forces.

The regional threat posed by Iran and the Houthis is a contributing factor to the expected quiet withdrawal of personnel from US embassies across the Middle East in the coming days. While the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is currently under ordered departure, other facilities are anticipated to receive similar directives or operate under reduced staffing. Furthermore, nonessential US military personnel initially slated for deployment to the Middle East have been informed they will not be sent, signaling a potential for increased regional escalation. Adm. Brad Cooper, the CENTCOM commander, recently visited the Strait of Hormuz, where the US military continues its blockade of Iranian ports and assists shipping traffic. Cooper emphasized the US commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation through the critical waterway.

Despite an increase in tanker traffic through the strait, oil prices remain elevated, partly due to the threat of potential Iranian attacks. One US official described the current status quo around the strait as “untenable” in the long term, suggesting that a lack of diplomatic breakthrough could lead Trump to consider military action, despite questions surrounding the White House's broader strategy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been advocating for new attacks against Iran, but US officials have urged him to postpone until the Trump administration is prepared for joint operations, according to two US officials and an Israeli security source. The Israeli security source indicated that Netanyahu sought a joint attack before the elections, but Trump did not approve, partly because Israeli Defense Forces chief of staff Eyal Zamir informed US Gen. Dan Caine that it could negatively impact Israeli elections. Israel had been preparing for potential additional attacks and lobbying US officials for support, but senior US officials, including Trump, advised them to wait for coordinated operations. Israel appears to have delayed immediate plans for strikes, focusing instead on building readiness for likely joint operations after the US midterm elections. Israel's agreement to delay is partly due to its need for US support for missile defense, as its defensive munitions have been strained during the ongoing conflict. Recent US intelligence assessments suggest that Netanyahu and his allies may lack a clear strategic objective beyond demonstrating progress and degrading the Iranian regime. Netanyahu has publicly stated his directive to Israeli security branches is to topple the Iranian regime, and according to a source familiar with the reports,