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 operations against Iran, which could include airstrikes targeting Iranian state and security facilities, not limited to nuclear sites.
The Trump administration anticipates that Iran would retaliate by striking U.S. bases located in the region if attacked.
The U.S. is deploying its largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and its strike group to the Middle East to join the USS Abraham Lincoln, aiming to increase pressure on Iran.
President Trump has publicly floated the idea of airstrikes or regime change if Iran does not curtail its nuclear program, favoring air- and sea-based engagements, while negotiations are ongoing.

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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.