US Military Poised for Potential Iran Strikes as Trump Weighs Decision
Multiple news outlets reported on Wednesday that the United States military is prepared for potential strikes on Iran, with sufficient air and naval resources already assembled in the Middle East. According to sources cited by the New York Times, CBS News, and CNN, an attack could be launched as soon as this weekend, though the timeline may extend beyond that. However, President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether to proceed with military action.
Diplomatic Efforts and Military Preparations
During a press conference, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that diplomacy remains the first option, stating, "Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump." She noted some progress following talks in Geneva on Tuesday but acknowledged that significant differences persist. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that top US national security advisers were informed in a White House Situation Room meeting that all military forces in the region should be in place by mid-March.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier group is already stationed in the Middle East, and the USS Gerald Ford carrier group is en route, currently off the coast of West Africa. The New York Times added that dozens of refueling tankers and over 50 additional fighter jets are also deployed in the area. In a provocative move, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, posted an AI-generated image on social media depicting the Ford in a maritime grave, accompanied by a caption warning of weapons capable of sinking warships.
International Reactions and Regional Dynamics
Preparations are reportedly underway in Israel for possible joint strikes with the United States, as indicated by defense officials. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in an interview with Saudi Arabia's Al-Arabiya television, cautioned against military action, saying, "No one wants an increase in tension. Everyone understands this is playing with fire." He urged the US to avoid strikes and allow Iran to pursue a peaceful nuclear program.
According to Axios reporter Barak Ravid, sources described the Geneva talks with Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, as a "nothingburger," suggesting limited progress. Ravid also reported that Iran may have until the end of February to offer concessions on its nuclear program before potential offensive actions. The Pentagon is reportedly moving some personnel out of the Middle East to mitigate risks from potential counterattacks.
Background and Context
Trump has repeatedly demanded that Iran cease its nuclear program, threatening to use force if no agreement is reached. In June, the US conducted strikes on key nuclear enrichment sites in Iran, while Israeli fighter jets targeted multiple locations across the country. The current standoff underscores ongoing tensions, with the White House urging Iran to negotiate a deal while maintaining military readiness. As one source told CNN, Trump is "spending a lot of time thinking about this," highlighting the gravity of the decision ahead.
