Report: U.S. Military Planning for Lengthy Operations Against Iran

Negotiations over Tehran’s controversial nuclear program will continue this week in Europe.

Zach Vasile

Monday, February 16, 2026 at 02:30 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

F-35 Lightning II [Credit: Lockheed Martin]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. military is preparing for potentially weekslong airstrike operations against Iran, with plans to target state and security facilities in addition to nuclear sites.
The Trump administration anticipates Iranian retaliation against U.S. bases in the region if an attack occurs and favors air- and sea-based engagements over ground forces.
Amid ongoing negotiations, the U.S. is deploying a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to increase pressure on Iran.

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The U.S. military is preparing for potentially weekslong operations against Iran if President Donald Trump gives the order to attack, Reuters reported.

Citing two U.S. officials with knowledge of the matter, the news outlet said the military’s planning could include airstrikes against Iranian state and security facilities, not just nuclear sites, which America has targeted before, notably in Operation Midnight Hammer last year.