The US military is reviewing contingency plans for a potential weeks-long campaign against Iran if President Donald Trump authorizes military action, two US officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
Officials said current planning could extend beyond nuclear infrastructure to target Iranian state and security facilities.
Iranian nuclear sites were previously targeted last June, when US forces carried out a stealth-bomber strike during Israel’s unprecedented 12-day conflict with Iran, which Tehran’s judiciary said killed at least 935 people.
Asked about the possibility of extended operations, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the president retains “all options” regarding Iran and will make decisions based on US national security interests, Reuters said.
Analysts quoted by the news agency warned that any prolonged campaign would pose significant risks to US forces, citing Iran’s large missile arsenal and its capability to target American bases across the Middle East.
Officials said they expect Tehran would likely retaliate, raising the prospect of repeated exchanges and broader regional escalation.
Ongoing Negotiations
The reported plans come amid ongoing diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran as part of renewed efforts to ease tensions and advance negotiations.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to meet Iranian officials in Geneva, with the talks mediated by an Omani delegation, following earlier indirect discussions in Oman earlier this month.
Talks have focused on the Middle Eastern nation’s nuclear program, which Western countries believe could be aimed at developing military capabilities, though Tehran insists it is for peaceful purposes and has recently ruled out giving up uranium enrichment.
Other topics include Iran’s ballistic missile programs and its support for militant groups in the region.
Meanwhile, Washington has reinforced its military posture in the Middle East, including the deployment of an additional carrier strike group.
