Us Military Stands Ready For Strikes On Iran As Trump Weighs Decision

Military Posture Reaches Boiling Point

WASHINGTON — In a move that has sent shockwaves through global capitals, senior national security officials have informed President Donald Trump that the United States military is operationally prepared to launch a series of strikes against Iran as early as this coming Saturday. While the White House emphasizes that a final decision has not yet been reached, the amassing of air and naval assets in the Middle East marks the most significant concentration of American firepower in the region in over two decades.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Wednesday that while diplomacy remains the “first option,” there are “many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran.” The escalation follows a series of indirect talks in Geneva that American officials described as a “nothingburger,” leaving the administration frustrated by Tehran’s refusal to make concessions on its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

The Force on Standby: A “Massive Armada”

The Pentagon has shifted into a high-readiness posture, moving assets into striking distance while simultaneously repositioning non-essential personnel to Europe and the United States to mitigate the risk of Iranian reprisals.

Naval Power

• USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group: Currently operating in the Arabian Sea, the Lincoln serves as the centerpiece of the standby force. It carries Carrier Air Wing Nine, featuring F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters and F/A-18E Super Hornets.
• USS Gerald R. Ford: The world’s largest aircraft carrier is currently en route to the region to provide additional surge capacity.
• Surface Combatants: A formidable group of guided-missile destroyers, including the USS Mitscher, USS Michael Murphy, and USS Spruance, are positioned in the Persian Gulf and near the Strait of Hormuz. These vessels are equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of precision strikes on inland targets.
• Littoral Combat Ships: The USS Canberra, USS Tulsa, and USS Santa Barbara are providing close-in surveillance and security within the Gulf.

Air and Strategic Assets

• F-15E Strike Eagles: Dozens of these multi-role fighters have been relocated from RAF Lakenheath to Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
• B-2 Stealth Bombers: While operating from various global locations, these assets are prepared for long-range sorties similar to the “Midnight Hammer” operation conducted in June 2025.
• Electronic Warfare: EA-18G Growlers are on standby to neutralize Iranian air defense systems and radar installations.
• Strategic Hubs: President Trump has explicitly mentioned the importance of the Diego Garcia airbase in the Indian Ocean as a critical launch point for operations intended to “eradicate a potential attack” by the Iranian regime.

Scope of Potential Operations

Unlike the limited strikes of mid-2025, which focused strictly on nuclear facilities, current military planning suggests a much broader scope. Sources familiar with the briefings indicate that the Pentagon has presented “weeks-long” operational plans.

Targets reportedly include:

1. Nuclear and Missile Infrastructure: Hardened sites such as Isfahan and the Pickaxe Mountain tunnels.
2. Command and Control: IRGC leadership hubs and communication networks.
3. State Security Facilities: Assets used by the regime to maintain domestic control amid ongoing nationwide protests.

The strategy, described by some as a “mosaic defense” by Iran, has seen Tehran dispersing its own command authority and hardening sites in anticipation of an American offensive.

The Diplomatic Deadlock

The surge in military readiness comes as President Trump’s “Maximum Pressure 2.0” campaign enters a critical phase. The administration is leveraging the threat of force to coerce Tehran into a restrictive deal covering not only its nuclear enrichment but also its support for regional proxies and its ballistic missile arsenal.

“Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump,” Leavitt warned, echoing the President’s own Truth Social posts where he suggested that “sometimes you have to have fear” to resolve international crises.

International reaction has been swift and wary. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned Wednesday that fresh strikes would lead to “adverse consequences” and “uncontrollable escalation.” Meanwhile, Israel is reportedly coordinating closely with Washington, with some reports suggesting the possibility of a joint offensive should the Saturday window be utilized.

As the weekend approaches, the world watches the White House Situation Room, where the decision to engage in a potentially transformative conflict hangs in the balance.

Sources and Links

• CBS News: Trump has discussed timeline for Iran strikes
• The Guardian: US military ready for possible Iran strikes
• Reuters via Times of Israel: US readying for potential weeks-long military campaign
• The Jerusalem Post: US military ready to strike Iran as early as Saturday
• TIME: Leavitt Says Iran Would Be ‘Wise to Make a Deal’
• Military.com: US Forces Headed to the Middle East as Tensions Rise
• Responsible Statecraft: Massive military buildup points to new US strikes
• Institute for the Study of War (ISW): Iran Update, February 18, 2026