U.S. military prepares for possible weeks-long operations against Iran – Reuters
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Washington, February 13, 2026 (Reuters via Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack, two U.S. officials told Reuters.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the planning, said the Pentagon is sending additional aircraft, guided-missile destroyers, and thousands of troops to the Middle East. The deployment follows recent U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks in Oman aimed at reviving discussions over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Trump, speaking to U.S. troops in North Carolina, said it has “been difficult to make a deal” with Iran, adding that sometimes fear is necessary to resolve the situation. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said, “President Trump has all operations on the table with regard to Iran” and makes final decisions based on national security considerations.
Experts warned that a sustained campaign could target Iranian state and security facilities beyond nuclear infrastructure, increasing the risk of retaliation and a broader regional conflict. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have stated they could respond against any U.S. military base in the region.
The United States maintains bases across the Middle East, including in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Turkey. Iran has indicated willingness to discuss limitations on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief but has rejected linking the issue to its missile program.