The United States military has finalized plans to launch major strikes against Iran within 96 hours of receiving authorization from President Donald Trump, according to multiple U.S. officials cited by CNN. The operations would represent a significant escalation beyond prior limited strikes, targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, military installations, and nuclear facilities.
The preparations come as the Trump administration weighs whether to escalate military action or pursue a diplomatic agreement with Tehran. Trump has publicly framed the decision as a choice between "finishing off" Iran or negotiating a deal, stating in a Fox News interview on Sunday that the timing for a decision is approaching. "Do I make a deal with them, or do I finish them off? That’s the only question," Trump said.
Military deployments and readiness
U.S. Central Command has assembled strike options that could be executed upon Trump’s authorization, with three aircraft carrier strike groups and two amphibious landing groups positioned near Iran by the end of November. This includes the deployment of 9,000 to 10,000 additional troops, bringing the total U.S. military presence in the Middle East to 49,000–50,000 personnel. The USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group departed San Diego in late September, followed by an amphibious group carrying over 2,000 Marines.
The State Department has also reduced staffing at embassies in Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan, while ordering the departure of non-emergency personnel and families from Saudi Arabia. CNN reported that U.S. officials expect Iran and its allies, including Yemen’s Houthi rebels, to retaliate immediately if strikes occur, potentially targeting American personnel and facilities across the Middle East.
Diplomatic and regional responses
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that a potential resumption of war would not alter Tehran’s policies, emphasizing that Iran remains prepared for either scenario. "Whether there is war or not, our policies remain the same," Araghchi said during a televised address in Tehran. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of an "existential threat" from Iran, urging both Israel and the U.S. to act decisively within a "small window of time."
Trump has claimed that U.S. strikes have significantly degraded Iran’s military capabilities, stating in a campaign rally that Iran has "no airplanes, no ships, no leaders" remaining. He added that the U.S. controls the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, and has enforced a blockade restricting Iran’s oil exports. Trump also referenced Pickaxe Mountain, a deeply buried nuclear site, as a potential target, asserting that U.S. intelligence can monitor activity at such facilities with high precision.
Timeline and political context
U.S. officials indicate that any strike authorization is most likely to come after the November 3 midterm elections, though preparations remain active. Trump has repeatedly suggested that a decision is imminent, stating on Saturday that a strike could occur "tomorrow" but ruling out an immediate attack on Sunday. The administration’s deliberations coincide with heightened regional tensions, including Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and ongoing diplomatic efforts mediated by Qatar.
The potential for renewed hostilities follows prior U.S. and Israeli strikes in March 2026, which targeted Iranian military and nuclear sites. Analysts note that the period between the U.S. midterms and the new Congress taking office in January may present a critical window for military action.