Trump keeps ‘All Options’ Open as US Weighs Prolonged Iran Action

The United States military is preparing contingency plans for what could become a sustained, weeks-long military campaign against Iran, should President Donald Trump authorize an attack, according to two U.S. officials cited by Reuters.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, said the planning envisions a broader and more prolonged operation than previous confrontations between the two nations.

The disclosure comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. U.S. and Iranian officials met in Oman last week in an attempt to revive stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. The talks followed an increased U.S. military buildup in the region, which has heightened tensions and raised fears of possible armed conflict.

According to U.S. officials, the Pentagon is deploying an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East, along with thousands of troops, fighter jets, guided-missile destroyers, and other assets capable of carrying out offensive and defensive operations.

Speaking to U.S. troops at a base in North Carolina, President Trump acknowledged the difficulty of reaching an agreement with Iran.

“Sometimes you have to have fear. That’s the only thing that really will get the situation taken care of,” Trump said.

Responding to questions about the military preparations, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the president is keeping all options open regarding Iran. “President Trump has all options on the table with regard to Iran,” she said, adding that he consults widely before making decisions in the interest of national security. The Pentagon declined to comment.

Last year, the U.S. deployed two aircraft carriers to the region during heightened tensions. In June, Washington carried out “Midnight Hammer,” a one-off strike in which stealth bombers flew from the United States to target Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran responded with a limited retaliatory strike on a U.S. base in Qatar.

However, officials indicated that the current planning is more complex. In a sustained campaign, U.S. forces could target a broader range of Iranian state and security installations, not solely nuclear infrastructure.

Military analysts warn that such an operation would significantly increase risks to American forces. Iran possesses a substantial missile arsenal capable of striking U.S. assets across the region, raising the possibility of a wider regional conflict if hostilities escalate.