US Military Prepares for Possible Iran Strikes as Trump Weighs Options

The United States military is on high alert, ready to carry out strikes on Iran as early as this weekend, according to multiple news outlets citing unnamed sources. The move is seen as a response to Iran's continued nuclear program, which President Trump has repeatedly criticized and demanded be ceased. However, despite the military's readiness, Trump has yet to make a final decision on whether to greenlight the strikes.

The situation remains fluid, with sources close to the White House indicating that discussions are ongoing within the administration. Trump has been clear about his intentions to use force if a deal is not reached, but it is unclear whether he will ultimately decide to take military action.

The potential strikes would mark a significant escalation in tensions between the US and Iran, which have been simmering for months. Trump has been a vocal critic of the 2015 nuclear deal, which he withdrew from in 2018, and has since imposed severe economic sanctions on Iran. Tehran has responded by increasing its uranium enrichment and reducing its compliance with the deal.

According to reports, the US military has been making preparations for possible strikes since last week, with assets being moved into position in the region. The strikes would likely target Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, including missile and rocket sites, as well as command and control centers.

The White House has been urging Iran to return to the negotiating table, with Trump tweeting earlier this week that he is "ready to make a deal." However, Iranian officials have shown little indication that they are willing to compromise, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stating that Iran will not be intimidated by US threats.

The situation has sparked concern among lawmakers and international leaders, who have warned of the dangers of military action. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted that "a war with Iran would be a catastrophic mistake," while French President Emmanuel Macron warned that "the risk of conflict is real."

Despite the concerns, Trump has shown little sign of backing down. In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly last year, he warned that "if Iran's leaders abandon their pursuit of nuclear weapons, we are prepared to work with them to make a deal that benefits the people of Iran and the world."

As the situation continues to unfold, the world waits with bated breath to see what Trump will ultimately decide. Will he opt for military action, or will he choose to pursue a diplomatic solution? Only time will tell.

Sources:

• [1] US military ready for possible Iran strikes but Trump yet to make decision, reports say, The Guardian.