The United States military has disclosed its readiness for a prolonged attack on Iran lasting several weeks, should President Trump order such action. This represents a notable shift from previous military engagements with Iran that were typically singular and contained. The intention behind this preparation appears to be elevating the US negotiating position in ongoing talks with Iran, although many are concerned about the potential for widespread conflict across the Middle East as a result. According to two senior officials in the Trump administration, plans are in place for sustained military operations that could extend beyond just nuclear facilities to include broader security targets within Iran.

Furthermore, should these military actions launch a long-term conflict, there are fears of escalating retaliatory measures from Iran, which has previously warned that attacks on its territory could lead to strikes on US bases throughout the Middle East. The US has significant military installations in countries such as Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. The potential for a drawn-out confrontation is compounded by a past incident where the US launched a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities under ‘Operation Midnight Hammer,’ which ended after a single, non-repetitive strike, and led to limited counterattacks from Iran.

In a related comment, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly reiterated that President Trump considers all options with regard to Iran and will make decisions aligning with national security interests. The Defense Department has remained silent on the specifics of the preparation and response, leaving many questions about the US's next steps in this increasingly tense situation in the region.