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 a broad range of Iranian state and security facilities, not limited to nuclear sites.
This potential action is accompanied by a significant naval buildup in the Middle East, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group to increase pressure on Iran.
U.S. officials anticipate that Iran would retaliate against American bases in the region if an attack is launched, despite ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

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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.