US Prepares for Potential Weeks-Long Military Operation Against Iran: Reuters

Washington: The United States is preparing for a potential weeks-long military operation targeting Iran, according to a report by Reuters, which cited two U.S. officials. The report suggests that any escalation could mark the most intense confrontation between Washington and Tehran to date.

The development comes even as nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran continue. The U.S. Navy has already deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to waters near Iran, and is reportedly dispatching its largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to reinforce its regional presence.

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly raised the possibility of regime change in Iran, describing it as “the best possible outcome” during remarks at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. However, he stopped short of clarifying who he believes should lead Iran in the event of such a transition. The Pentagon declined to comment on questions regarding military preparedness.

Tehran has warned that any U.S. military action would trigger retaliation against American bases across West Asia. The United States maintains military installations in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey — all of which could be within the scope of Iranian response.

Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, has voiced support for U.S. intervention and called for prolonged negotiations over the nuclear deal. Living in exile in the United States, Pahlavi has repeatedly indicated his willingness to assume leadership of Iran should the current Islamic regime be overthrown.

The situation underscores rising tensions in an already volatile region, with diplomatic channels still active but overshadowed by growing military posturing on both sides.