WASHINGTON, Feb 15, 2026 — The U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump authorises military action, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.
The preparations suggest a scenario far more extensive than previous limited strikes, raising concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict.
Diplomacy Continues Amid Military Buildup
Despite the military planning, diplomatic efforts are ongoing.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to meet Iranian representatives in Geneva on February 17, with Oman acting as mediator.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Saturday that while President Trump prefers a diplomatic agreement with Tehran, “that’s very hard to do.”
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that “all options are on the table,” adding that the president would make a final decision based on national security interests.
The Pentagon declined to comment on operational planning.
Expanded Military Presence in the Region
In recent days, the Pentagon has:
- Deployed an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East
- Sent thousands of additional troops
- Reinforced the region with fighter aircraft and guided-missile destroyers
President Trump recently suggested that regime change in Iran “seems like that would be the best thing that could happen,” though he declined to name a preferred successor.
While Trump has historically expressed reluctance to deploy ground forces, the current buildup points primarily to air and naval strike capabilities.
From “Midnight Hammer” to Sustained Campaign?
Last year’s U.S. operation, known as “Midnight Hammer,” involved stealth bombers flying directly from the United States to strike Iranian nuclear facilities in what was described as a one-off attack.
Iran responded with a limited retaliatory strike on a U.S. base in Qatar.
Officials now indicate that planning includes options beyond nuclear facilities. A sustained campaign could target:
- Iranian state infrastructure
- Security installations
- Military command facilities
One official said Washington fully expects retaliation, potentially leading to prolonged exchanges.
Risk of Regional Escalation
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that U.S. bases across the Middle East could be targeted if Iranian territory is struck.
The U.S. maintains military installations in:
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- United Arab Emirates
- Turkey
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently met Trump in Washington, said any agreement with Iran must include provisions vital to Israel’s security.
Iranian Opposition Weighs In
Exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s former shah, told Reuters that U.S. military intervention could accelerate the collapse of Iran’s government.
“We are hoping that this attack will expedite the process,” he said, suggesting it could embolden protesters to challenge Tehran’s leadership.
Iran has signalled willingness to discuss nuclear restrictions in exchange for sanctions relief but has rejected linking negotiations to its ballistic missile programme.
A Pivotal Moment
With negotiations set to resume in Geneva and U.S. forces expanding their presence in the Middle East, the coming weeks could prove decisive.
The path forward remains uncertain — balancing diplomacy against the possibility of sustained military engagement that could reshape the region’s security landscape.