The U.S. and Israel are stepping up preparations for possible new strikes against Iran
Upon his return from China, U.S. President Donald Trump faced a critical decision regarding Iran. His team has already prepared contingency plans to resume military operations in the event that diplomatic negotiations fail.
This is reported by the NYT.
According to US media reports, Operation “Epic Rage,” which was suspended following the announcement of a ceasefire, could be resumed as early as next week—possibly even under a new name.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hagset confirmed that Washington has a plan ready to escalate the conflict. At the same time, the U.S. has also developed a plan to evacuate more than 50,000 troops from the region in the event of a sharp escalation of the situation.
According to Middle Eastern sources, the U.S. and Israel are currently conducting the most extensive preparations since the ceasefire was announced. This involves the possible resumption of strikes against Iran in the very near future.
Among the scenarios being considered by the U.S. administration are:
- massive airstrikes on Iran’s military and civilian infrastructure;
- a special forces operation to seize nuclear materials at a facility in Isfahan;
- establishing control over Kharq Island—a key hub for Iran’s oil exports.
According to sources, several hundred U.S. special forces are already in the region and could be deployed for the operation. However, military officials acknowledge that such a mission would require significantly more support forces and carries high risks.
It is also reported that Iran has partially restored its military capabilities following previous strikes. In particular, Tehran has regained access to 30 of 33 missile launch sites along the Strait of Hormuz, and most of the damaged facilities have already been repaired.
Currently deployed in the region are:
- about 5,000 U.S. Marines;
- 2,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division;
- two aircraft carrier strike groups;
- more than a dozen destroyers and hundreds of combat aircraft.
U.S. military officials state that the forces are ready to resume combat operations immediately upon receiving the appropriate order from the White House.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran does not trust the United States and is ready to negotiate with Washington only if the talks are genuinely serious.
Iranian authorities have begun granting permission to select Chinese vessels to pass through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz has once again come to a near standstill
Additionally, the U.S. military struck the vessel Touska, which was attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under the Iranian flag despite the blockade.
Recall that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not consider the war with Iran to be over.
Official Tehran refused to participate in the second round of peace talks with the United States, which were to take place in Islamabad.
Iran rejected Trump’s claims regarding the transfer of uranium to the U.S. and accused him of manipulation.
