U.S. Military Prepared to Launch Major Operations Against Iran Within 96 Hours on Trump's Command

The United States military forces stationed in the Middle East are poised to initiate substantial military operations against Iran within a 96-hour timeframe, contingent upon President Donald Trump's directive, according to information disclosed by two government officials to CNN on Monday.

These officials emphasized that the existing military presence in the region is sufficient to execute such strikes, and the potential scale of these operations would significantly surpass the status quo activities that have been conducted since Trump halted full-scale combat earlier this year, as part of what was known as Operation Epic Fury.

"It will be a significant effort," one official informed CNN.

Both current and former officials with insight into the military's internal strategies suggest the question is not if Trump will issue the order, but rather when, with predictions indicating it could happen any time before the year's end, though most likely after the midterm elections on November 3rd.

The Department of Defense and Central Command (CENTCOM) have compiled an extensive target list that includes Iranian energy infrastructure, military installations, and nuclear facilities.

A senior Pentagon official commented to CNN, "The Department is a planning organization, and its role is to develop and execute military options as directed by the president."

The White House has declined to comment on the matter.

Officials acknowledge that Iranian forces are now more familiar with U.S. tactics, complicating efforts to neutralize all intended targets. Nevertheless, they note that Trump seems inclined toward a larger-scale action, though they caution that he has previously signaled such intentions only to subsequently retreat.

Fueling this escalation is an intelligence alert issued on October 23 by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton in an unclassified memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Iran "has significantly increased its efforts to target U.S. personnel," and these plans "have advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries."

In response to this threat, the United States has warned its citizens in the region and commenced a quiet withdrawal of staff from its embassies. The diplomatic mission in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is the only one under formal departure orders, but others are expected to receive similar directives or reduce their staff numbers. Additionally, non-essential military personnel scheduled for the next troop rotation have been informed they will no longer be deployed.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, conducted a helicopter flyover of the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday to oversee the naval blockade and mine-clearing operations. "We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Gulf partners and the shipping industry," stated Cooper. A U.S. official acknowledged that the status quo in the strait is "unsustainable" in the long run, which could drive Trump toward military action.

Regarding Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Trump to initiate a joint strike before Tuesday's Israeli elections, yet did not receive approval. "Netanyahu really wanted and tried to convince Trump of a joint strike on Iran before the elections, and Trump did not give the green light," an Israeli security source told CNN. The prime minister's office labeled the report as "fake news."

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly warned U.S. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that an attack could negatively affect the Israeli elections and potentially lead to their postponement.

While Israel appears to have postponed imminent attack plans, it is gearing up for joint operations with the U.S. after the midterm elections.

"The plans are ready and awaiting Trump's approval, possibly after the midterm elections," a source familiar with the military planning indicated.