US Forces Ready for Major Strikes on Iran Within 96 Hours of Trump’s Order: Report

October 26, 2026

Washington, DC: US forces deployed in West Asia are ready to launch a new and potentially major military operation against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from US President Donald Trump. CNN reported this information, citing two US officials. According to the report, sufficient US military forces are already deployed in the region to carry out the attack.

According to officials, potential military action will not be limited to attacks on Iranian radars, missile launchers, and other military installations that can be quickly repurposed. Instead, the scope of the operation could be much larger.

A US official told CNN, “It will be a major operation.”

According to the report, current and former officials familiar with US military planning have also supported this assessment. Some of them believe that the question is not whether Trump will order an attack, but when.

Officials estimate that this order could come sometime before the end of the year, although it is considered more likely after the US midterm elections.

Iran’s energy and nuclear facilities could also be targets

US officials have acknowledged that the Iranian military is now more familiar with US military strategies and tactics than before. This could make it difficult for the US military to destroy all its designated targets.

Despite this, US Central Command (CENTCOM) and Pentagon officials are compiling a comprehensive list of potential targets. According to CNN, this list includes Iran’s energy infrastructure, military installations, and nuclear facilities.

Officials said Trump has not yet made a final decision on the steps to be taken after the midterm elections. However, his stance suggests the possibility of ordering a major military operation. Additionally, officials cautioned that Trump has previously appeared willing to take action but backed off at the last minute.

The White House declined to comment on this report.

A senior Pentagon official said in a statement to CNN, “The Department of Defense is responsible for planning military options and implementing them if ordered by the President.”

Threat of Iran and Houthi Retaliation

According to recent US intelligence assessments, Iran and Yemen’s Houthi rebels are taking seriously potential new US attacks. Two other sources told CNN that Israel may also join the US in these attacks.

According to sources, if the US and Israel launch a new military campaign against Iran, Tehran and the Houthi rebels could immediately retaliate. This could potentially target US troops and military bases in the Middle East and possibly beyond.

CNN previously reported that Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton sent an unclassified memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 23. Citing US intelligence agencies’ assessment, it stated that Iran has significantly increased its efforts to target US personnel. According to the memo, preparations for such plots have reached an advanced stage in the Middle East and some other countries.

However, according to a source familiar with recent intelligence assessments, US officials believe that Iran and the Houthis are currently unlikely to escalate tensions by launching a first strike against the US or Israel. However, if the US or Israel targets Iran first, they will not hesitate to retaliate.

Preparations to Reduce Staffing at US Embassies in West Asia

According to reports, the US may continue to quietly withdraw some staff from its embassies in West Asia in the coming days due to the regional threat posed by Iran and the Houthis.

Currently, the US Embassy in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is the only US diplomatic facility in the region that has officially ordered staff to withdraw. However, a source told CNN that other diplomatic facilities may receive similar instructions. Staffing may be limited at facilities that do not have such orders.

Additionally, non-essential US military personnel scheduled to be deployed to West Asia as part of the next military deployment have been informed that they will no longer be deployed there. According to US officials, this move further highlights the potential for escalation in tensions in the region.

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Oil Prices High

Despite an increase in the number of oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices remain high. This is due in part to the threat of potential attacks from Iran. A US official described the current situation as “unsustainable” for the long term. According to the official, this situation could prompt Trump to resort to military action unless last-minute diplomatic efforts yield a solution. CNN also stated that there is currently no clear answer as to whether the White House has a comprehensive strategy to end the conflict. Netanyahu is pressuring the US to attack Iran.