US Military Prepares for Potential Large-Scale War with Iran Within 96 Hours

Key summary

According to CNN, the US Department of Defense is preparing for a new war against Iran, potentially a large-scale military operation within 96 hours after receiving orders from President Donald Trump. The report states that the US has deployed sufficient military forces in the Middle East for potential attacks. Some US officials believe President Trump could order an attack before the end of this year, with the highest likelihood occurring after the US midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3. The scope of the new operation is expected to be broader than limited strikes targeting radar systems, missile launch sites, and other equipment that can be quickly replaced. US intelligence assesses that Iran and the Houthis are unlikely to initiate a preemptive attack against the US or Israel. The New York Times reported last week that the US and Israel have developed concrete plans for a new round of attacks on Iran, expected after the midterm elections, targeting energy infrastructure, nuclear-related facilities, missile and drone depots. Reports indicate the US government is considering using the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), known as the 'Mother of All Bombs'. The New York Times also reported that in recent days, the US military and Israel have intensified military exercises, including sending fighter jets over Iraqi airspace to practice attack tactics. It was also reported that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced visit to Israel to discuss the possibility of launching a new military strike against Iran.