US Military Gears Up For Sustained Weeks-Long Operations In Iran
US officials say Pentagon readies sustained operations beyond nuclear sites as second carrier deploys amid tensions.
The United States military is actively preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran should President Donald Trump authorize military action, according to two senior U.S. officials cited in a Reuters report published on February 13, 2026. This planning marks a significant escalation in contingency measures amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to curb Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
The preparations involve a complex buildup of forces in the Middle East, including the deployment of a second aircraft carrier—the USS Gerald R. Ford—to join the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group already in the region. Additional assets such as thousands more troops, fighter aircraft, guided-missile destroyers, and other defensive and offensive capabilities have been repositioned to enhance both strike potential and protection against expected Iranian retaliation. Officials emphasized that unlike limited previous strikes focused primarily on nuclear facilities, a prolonged campaign could target a broader range of Iranian state and security infrastructure.
This development follows heightened tensions triggered by Iran's violent suppression of recent nationwide anti-government protests, which prompted U.S. warnings and military reinforcements starting in late January 2026. President Trump has repeatedly signaled readiness to use force if diplomacy fails, while also expressing hope for a nuclear agreement. He recently described a potential regime change in Iran as "the best thing that could happen" and confirmed the carrier movement as part of building "tremendous power" in the region to pressure Tehran.
Also Read: #JustIn: US Deploys Extra Destroyer to Middle East as Iran Tensions Escalate
The planning underscores increased risks for U.S. forces, given Iran's formidable missile arsenal and proxy networks capable of targeting American bases across the Middle East. Experts note that sustained operations would likely involve cycles of escalation, with Iran expected to respond aggressively, potentially broadening the conflict beyond bilateral U.S.-Iran confrontation. Diplomatic channels, including recent talks in Oman, remain active, though gaps persist over enrichment limits, ballistic missiles, and regional activities.
The Reuters disclosure has amplified global concerns about a wider regional war, even as the White House maintains that "all options are on the table" regarding Iran. The Pentagon's focus on bolstering defensive postures in vulnerable allied countries reflects lessons from past tensions, aiming to deter escalation while preserving leverage in negotiations. As forces continue to amass, the coming days could prove decisive in whether diplomacy prevails or military action becomes reality.
Also Read: Trump Comments On Potential Power Change In Iran Amid Tensions
