According to Reuters, senior U.S. military officials are preparing for the likelihood of extended military operations against Iran, contingent upon an order from President Donald Trump. These preparations involve a wide range of options that not only focus on Iran's nuclear infrastructure but also target various governmental and security facilities. This strategic planning comes amidst expectations of a retaliatory response from Tehran, which could trigger a cycle of ongoing military exchanges.

President Trump, during a speech to U.S. troops in North Carolina, expressed the challenges of negotiating with Iran and hinted at the potential necessity of instilling fear through military pressure. He suggested that a change in the Iranian regime could be favorable, although he refrained from specifying who might assume power should such a change occur. This rhetoric reflects a significant escalation in the U.S. posture toward Iran amidst ongoing tensions in the region.

Adding to this sentiment, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that reaching a diplomatic agreement with Tehran is exceptionally challenging, despite the president's preference for a diplomatic solution. This chain of statements and preparations indicates a heightened state of alert and a possible shift in U.S. military policy toward Iran, raising concerns over the implications for regional stability and the potential for conflict in the Middle East.