US military prepared to hit Iran within 96 hours of Trump order
Washington is waiting for a presidential decision on a major strike, while Tehran and the Houthis prepare for immediate retaliation.
By Maya Sokolov ·
The United States military is ready to launch a major attack on Iran within 96 hours if President Donald Trump issues the order, two US officials told CNN on Sunday. The potential strike represents a significant escalation in the conflict, moving beyond previous US operations targeting easily rebuilt Iranian assets like missile launchers and radars.
Israel has been preparing its own offensive and lobbying Washington to join the campaign, according to a source briefed on the matter. US leaders, including Trump, have advised Israel to hold off on attacking until after the midterm elections. One official described the situation by saying the plans are ready and waiting for Trump’s approval, which could happen after the midterms.
US intelligence indicates that both Iran and the Houthis are taking the threat of renewed US attacks very seriously. If the United States or Israel launches an attack, immediate retaliation against US personnel and facilities in the Middle East is expected. This assessment is driving the US military to withdraw more personnel from embassies in the region.
Despite the readiness for retaliation, US officials believe Iran and the Houthis are unlikely to strike US or Israeli infrastructure preemptively at this stage. A senior Pentagon official told CNN that the Department is a planning organization whose job is to develop and execute military options ordered by the President.
The White House declined to comment on the timing or scope of the potential operation. The decision on whether to commit to major military action remains with the President, with officials noting that any strike would be a big effort.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
