US military prepared to strike Iran as early as this weekend, but the decision remains in the hands of President Donald Trump, who continues to weigh the potential costs and benefits of military action. Sources close to White House discussions say forces have been positioned for rapid deployment, yet no final authorization has been issued.
The Pentagon has moved quickly over the past week, signaling a readiness for operations within days if ordered. Air and naval assets have been concentrated in the region, including advanced carrier strike groups and repositioned fighter jets, while refueling aircraft from the United Kingdom support extended operations. Officials describe the posture as a signal of capability and intent, though the ultimate course depends on Trump’s assessment of both strategic and political considerations.
Senior national security advisers convened in the Situation Room on Wednesday to review contingency plans regarding Iran. Briefings were delivered to the president by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, detailing indirect contacts with Iranian representatives in Geneva. While those talks lasted over three hours, they produced limited results. Iran’s chief negotiator cited agreement on broad guiding principles, but multiple unresolved issues remain.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that diplomacy remains an active option. She declined to confirm whether potential military action would be delayed pending further Iranian clarification. “I’m not going to set deadlines on behalf of the president of the United States,” Leavitt said, noting that while dialogue is ongoing, all options remain on the table.
US forces have bolstered their presence in the Middle East, signaling both deterrence and readiness. The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, among the most technologically advanced in the US fleet, is expected to join other deployed assets in the coming days. Sources note that fighter jets and refueling planes based in Europe have been repositioned closer to potential theaters of operation, demonstrating a capacity to act quickly.
Satellite imagery reviewed by the Institute for Science and International Security shows Iran reinforcing key nuclear facilities with additional protective layers. Analysts suggest the measures are intended to harden the sites against potential strikes, raising the stakes for any military engagement.
The timing of possible action intersects with several major events. The Winter Olympics conclude on Sunday, Ramadan has just begun, and President Trump is scheduled to deliver his annual State of the Union address next week. It is not clear to what extent these events influence the president’s deliberations, though they may factor into considerations of timing, optics, and domestic reaction.
Trump has repeatedly stated that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon. Public statements suggest broader ambitions, including regime change, but specific military objectives have not been formally outlined. Congressional authorization for large-scale military action has not been requested, leaving the decision squarely with the president.
The situation remains fluid. The combination of high-level deliberations, diplomatic outreach, and visible military readiness reflects the complexity of US strategy toward Iran. Analysts caution that any action will carry regional and global consequences, emphasizing the need for measured judgment as the weekend approaches.
