The U.S. military buildup has progressed to the point where President Trump has the option to take military
By Bernie,
The U.S. military buildup has progressed to the point where President Trump has the option to take military action against Iran as early as this weekend, the New York Times reported, citing administration and Pentagon officials.
Israeli defense officials told the Times that significant preparations are underway for a possible joint strike with the United States, though no decision has been made. The planning envisions delivering a severe blow over several days with the goal of forcing Iran into concessions it has so far been unwilling to make.
The USS Gerald R. Ford and its three destroyer escorts could be in the Mediterranean by the weekend or early next week, military officials said. The Ford is likely to be deployed near the Israeli coast to help defend Tel Aviv and other cities.
A military official said the U.S. can now defend its troops, allies, and assets from Iranian retaliation for a short campaign, but questions remain about whether the American military is ready to sustain a longer and wider war.
B-2 bombers, which were used in last June's strikes on Iran, and other long-range bombers are on a higher alert status, officials said.
Senior national security officials have told Trump that any operation aimed at changing Iran's leadership is not guaranteed to succeed. Trump's decision to delay strikes last month after military officials cautioned the Pentagon wasn't ready may have allowed Iran more time to prepare, the Times noted.
Topics: Iran
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