US forces in the Middle East are prepared for new, potentially large-scale operations against Iran within 96 hours of an order from Donald Trump, CNN reported, citing two American officials. According to the network, the president has not yet made a final decision.
According to CNN’s report from October 26, enough forces are already gathered in the region to carry out such strikes. The network’s sources stress that it would be a „big lift.” The Pentagon told CNN that the department is developing and implementing military options at the president’s direction.
More Than „Mowing the Grass”
As CNN reports (as relayed by the TASS agency), the new actions would go beyond the limited strikes on radars, launchers and other targets that Iran could quickly rebuild, which the US has been carrying out since full-scale fighting was suspended. US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Pentagon have prepared a broad list of targets: Iranian energy infrastructure, military facilities and nuclear sites.
Officials cited by CNN believe the question is less „whether” than „when.” An order could come this year, most likely after the US midterm elections on November 3. Trump, as CNN writes, is leaning toward decisive steps, but the network’s sources recall that he has repeatedly moved toward a decision only to back off at the last moment. According to reports, strikes were close earlier this month but were postponed.
Risk of Retaliation and Israeli Pressure
According to US intelligence assessments cited by CNN, Iran and the Yemeni Houthis would respond immediately with attacks on US forces and facilities in the region and beyond. Iran’s military is already familiar with American tactics, so successfully destroying all targets would be harder. According to the Rzeczpospolita outlet, Israel is pressing for joint action.
On Truth Social, Trump did not announce new strikes over the weekend. On Sunday evening he shared his support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, writing that Iran now has „No Navy, No Air Force” and that a naval blockade has cut it off from oil; he also said the job must be „finished.” However, this was not an announcement of an attack decision.
Background to the Conflict
The US and Israel began their war with Iran on February 28, as we reported after the first massive strike. According to TASS, in June Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum on ending hostilities, but on July 8 the US resumed large-scale strikes, accusing Iran of violating the arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz. We previously covered the planning of major strike options in our article on the plan using the „mother of all bombs”.
What It Means
For readers in Poland, the most tangible aspect is the oil price. Brent recently reached about $114.5 per barrel, the highest since May, and an attack on Iranian energy infrastructure and possible retaliation in the Gulf region could sustain this trend. Fuel prices at Polish petrol stations react to changes in crude prices with a delay. As of publication, the White House has not confirmed any plans or a decision timeline.
