Two U.S. officials told Reuters that the U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of sustained operations lasting weeks against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack, which could escalate into a conflict more severe than previously experienced between the two countries.
اضافة اعلان
The statements by the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of planning, add risks to ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran.
U.S. media reported that the Pentagon has ordered the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, while President Trump is reportedly considering military action against Iran.
Washington and Tehran began indirect talks last week regarding the future of Iran’s nuclear program, while Trump warned of “very painful” consequences for the Islamic Republic if a nuclear deal is not reached.
Late last month, Trump sent the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln along with warships to the Gulf as part of an escalation of threats against Iran, following its violent crackdown on anti-government protests.
U.S. media reported that the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, accompanied by warships, will join the strike group after heading to the Middle East from its current location in the Caribbean Sea.
The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and CBS cited unnamed officials regarding Pentagon preparations and the expected deployment of the second aircraft carrier.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to questions from AFP on the matter.
According to The New York Times, the Gerald R. Ford initially headed to the Caribbean as part of Trump’s pressure campaign on Venezuela.
The newspaper noted that some of the warplanes from this carrier participated in the military operation in Caracas on January 3, which led to the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Reuters
