DIVYA DELHI : The Pentagon is sending an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East along with thousands of troops, fighter aircraft, guided-missile destroyers, and other military assets, as the U.S. prepares for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran, two U.S. officials told Reuters. The planning, which could become far more extensive than last year’s limited strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, comes amid ongoing diplomatic talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Oman to revive negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program. President Donald Trump, speaking to U.S. troops in North Carolina, acknowledged the difficulties in reaching a deal, saying, “Sometimes you have to have fear. That’s the only thing that really will get the situation taken care of.” A White House spokesperson added that “all options remain on the table regarding Iran.” Experts warn that a sustained campaign could target Iranian state and security facilities in addition to nuclear infrastructure, increasing the risk of retaliatory strikes and a wider regional conflict. Iran has warned it could strike U.S. bases in response to any attack, and the U.S. maintains military installations across the Middle East, including in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, and Turkey. Last year’s “Midnight Hammer” strikes involved a limited, one-off attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, but current planning suggests a more complex and extended military operation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also met with Trump in Washington this week, emphasizing that any deal with Iran must safeguard Israeli interests. Tensions remain high as Iran signals willingness to discuss nuclear curbs in exchange for lifting sanctions, but refuses to link the issue to missile development.
