The United States is preparing for a sustained, multi-week military operation against Iran should President Donald Trump order an attack, according to two unnamed administration officials cited by Reuters. The reported planning comes as Washington applies military pressure on Tehran amid stalled nuclear negotiations, with Iran stating it is ready for both diplomacy and war.
The officials warned that any US campaign, which could include strikes on Iranian state and security facilities beyond nuclear sites, risks escalating into a far more serious conflict than previous episodes. They indicated Washington fully expects Iranian retaliation, leading to a prolonged exchange of strikes and reprisals.
This military posture contrasts with recent diplomatic efforts. Officials from the US and Iran met in Oman earlier this month—their first talks since strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year—describing the discussions as positive and agreeing to further consultations. The next round is scheduled for Vienna. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reiterated that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and ruled out abandoning uranium enrichment. He accused the US of losing trust after American bombing during negotiations in June 2025, while stressing Iran’s readiness for military confrontation if diplomacy fails.
President Trump has described regime change in Iran as “the best thing that could happen” and warned of a US naval armada moving toward the country. Reports suggest he seeks a “quick and decisive” strike to avoid a prolonged conflict, though advisers have raised concerns about the US’s regional defensive capabilities and the uncertain impact on Iranian leadership.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called the US-Iran escalation “potentially explosive” and urged a peaceful resolution.
The situation underscores a critical juncture: ongoing diplomaticengagement is shadowed by explicit US military preparations and Iran’s dual-track readiness. The upcoming Vienna talks will test whether dialogue can prevail amid heightened threats of sustained conflict.
