US military ready for major new strikes on Iran within 96 hours of Trump's order - CNN
US forces in the Middle East are prepared to launch a potentially large-scale military operation against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from President Donald Trump, CNN reported on October 26, citing two US officials. No decision to launch the operation has been made.
The United States has deployed sufficient forces in the region to carry out the potential attacks, according to the officials.
The operation could be significantly broader than previous strikes against Iranian radar systems, missile launchers and other military assets that Iran could quickly replace.
"It will be a big effort," one official told CNN.
US Central Command and the Pentagon have developed an extensive list of potential targets, including Iranian military installations, energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities.
Officials familiar with the planning said Trump appeared to be leaning toward a major operation, possibly after the November 3 US midterm elections. However, they cautioned that the president had previously appeared ready to authorize military action before reversing course.
The White House declined to comment.
A senior Pentagon official told CNN that the Defense Department's responsibility was to develop and execute military options ordered by the president.
Intelligence warns of Iranian retaliation
Recent US intelligence assessments suggest Iran and the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen could retaliate rapidly against American personnel and facilities if the United States or Israel launches new strikes.
CNN reported that Washington is expected to continue reducing its diplomatic presence across the Middle East because of the threat.
The US has already ordered some diplomatic personnel to leave Saudi Arabia, while other missions could face similar restrictions.
The Pentagon has also canceled some planned deployments of nonessential military personnel to the region.
Meanwhile, US forces continue to maintain a blockade of Iranian ports and support shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil supplies.
Israel pushes for joint operation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pressed for renewed strikes on Iran, according to CNN's US and Israeli sources.
An Israeli security source said Netanyahu sought a joint operation before the US midterm elections but did not receive Trump's approval.
Netanyahu's office rejected the account as "fake news."
CNN reported that Israel has delayed immediate plans for additional strikes while continuing preparations for a possible joint operation with Washington.
The prospect of Iranian retaliation is also a concern for Israel, whose missile defense stocks have been strained by the conflict.
The latest report comes as Ukraine faces an acute shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles.
Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said on October 26 that the number of interceptors expended during the war against Iran could have sustained Ukrainian Patriot operations for several years.
The potential expansion of US military operations in the Middle East could place further pressure on air defense resources, although the scale of any future interceptor expenditure remains unknown.