US Military Prepares for Wide-Scale Attack on Iran

Washington – Agencies: The U.S. Department of Defense, the Pentagon, has issued instructions to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) to complete preparations for launching large-scale combat operations against Iran, as President Donald Trump considers the appropriate timing. (See page 13.) U.S. officials told Axios that the Pentagon’s instructions do not include a specific date, and that Trump has not yet made a final decision on resuming military operations. However, U.S. and Israeli sources indicated that any potential move could come before the U.S. midterm elections, and possibly before the Israeli elections scheduled a week earlier. According to Axios, major combat operations would include intense strikes on Iranian targets linked to the energy sector, infrastructure, and the nuclear program. A Pentagon official told Axios that Iran has been “severely damaged,” and that matters would head in one of two directions, “the easy way or the hard way,” as he put it. He added that Trump “holds all the cards” and will make the decision he deems best for the United States. Two Israeli officials said the operations would be conducted in close coordination between the United States and Israel, with participation by the Israeli military. The officials noted that the Iranian regime is experiencing a state of despair and deep uncertainty, which could drive it to launch a preemptive strike, given that it has already suffered two surprise attacks and does not wish to face a third.