Thousands of American air and naval personnel are ready to launch major combat operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders them to, Pentagon officials and military commanders told The New York Times on Wednesday.
The forces are stationed aboard more than a dozen ships and at bases across the Middle East and in the United States, according to the report. The U.S. and Israeli militaries have drawn up specific plans, with potential targets including Iran’s energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone arsenals.
The report comes as Trump weighs his next steps following Tuesday’s midterm defeat, which senior Republicans have blamed largely on the war with Iran. Trump said on Tuesday that the United States has no immediate plan to strike Iran, as Qatar continues mediation efforts between the two sides.
That night, U.S. officials described limited overnight strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island targeting surface-to-air missiles that had been used against American assets. One official said the strikes did not represent a return to major combat operations.
A renewed U.S. campaign would also mean a renewed confrontation for Israel. According to Israeli estimates, Iran still holds hundreds of ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel.
