US Forces Ready to Strike Iran Within 96 Hours as Trump Weighs Broader Offensive
Updated
Updated · CNN · Oct 26
US Forces Ready to Strike Iran Within 96 Hours as Trump Weighs Broader Offensive
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Oct 26
Summary
US forces in the Middle East can launch potentially major strikes on Iran within 96 hours of a Trump order, with officials saying enough assets are already in place for operations beyond limited status-quo attacks.
Target planning now spans Iranian energy infrastructure, military sites and nuclear facilities, though officials say Tehran has adapted to US tactics, making a full knockout of intended targets harder.
Recent US intelligence says Iran and the Houthis are unlikely to strike first but would retaliate quickly against US personnel and facilities if attacked, prompting quiet embassy drawdowns and cuts to nonessential troop deployments.
Israel has been pressing for new attacks, but senior US officials told it to wait for possible joint operations—most likely after the US midterm elections—while Trump still has not made a final decision.
Adm. Brad Cooper visited the Strait of Hormuz as US forces maintain a blockade on Iranian ports and protect shipping, underscoring a regional standoff officials call untenable despite still-elevated oil prices.