INTERNATIONAL – U.S. military planners are intensifying preparations for a possible military operation against Iran, signaling that Washington could carry out sustained military action if diplomatic talks fail, according to CNBC Indonesia’s coverage and corroborating international reporting. The United States has not publicly announced a decision to attack, but preparations for what could be “weeks-long operations” are underway, underscoring how strategic planners are shaping scenarios in anticipation of a possible order from President Donald Trump amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Reports indicate that the Pentagon is reinforcing U.S. military presence in the region, including deploying additional aircraft carriers, strike groups and support forces, in a show of force that officials describe as necessary for deterrence and readiness. One anonymous U.S. official told Reuters that the planned campaign would go beyond earlier limited strikes, potentially targeting a broader array of Iranian state and security infrastructure — not just nuclear facilities — if the president authorizes such action. The scale of these preparations highlights how seriously U.S. defense planners are taking the prospect of sustained conflict.
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Behind the scenes, diplomatic efforts continue, including negotiations mediated in Geneva and Oman, involving U.S. envoy participation, though progress has been uneven and contentious. Even as diplomats speak, Iran has publicly warned it would respond forcefully and decisively to any attack by the United States, reiterating that any act of aggression would be treated as an “all-out war,” according to Iranian statements in regional media. Iranian leaders argue that any hostile military move by the U.S. could drastically widen the conflict and destabilize the broader Middle East.
The military buildup, which includes carrier strike groups and advanced aircraft, reflects a strategy to both deter Iran and prepare for possible offensive operations if diplomacy falters. While the Biden administration’s successors have emphasized a preference for negotiations, the presence of U.S. forces across the region sends a clear message about U.S. resolve and capabilities. Some analysts say the buildup is intended as leverage at the negotiating table, while others warn it could inadvertently increase the risk of miscalculation and escalation.
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Iran, for its part, continues to strengthen its own defenses and has issued warnings that any military action by Washington, regardless of scope, will be met with a powerful response, including potential retaliation against U.S. military bases and interests in the region. Iranian officials argue that Tehran does not seek conflict but will defend its sovereignty fiercely if attacked.
As these developments continue to unfold, the world watches closely: diplomatic channels remain open even as military posturing intensifies, and the risk of a broader confrontation between the United States and Iran looms large — a stark reminder of how fragile peace can be in a region long marked by geopolitical rivalry and armed tensions.
