US could hit Iran within 96 hours of Trump’s order

US forces in the Middle East could launch major military operations against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from President Donald Trump, CNN reported, citing two US officials who said sufficient military assets were already deployed in the region.

Potential targets include Iranian energy infrastructure, military installations and nuclear facilities, suggesting a wider campaign than previous limited strikes on military assets that could be quickly rebuilt.

“It will be a big effort,” one US official told CNN.

Trump has yet to make a final decision on renewed military action. Several current and former US officials familiar with military planning believe an order could come after the November 3 US midterm elections, although action before the end of the year remains possible.

The White House declined to comment. A senior Pentagon official told CNN that the department develops and executes military options ordered by the President.

Iran, Houthis pose retaliation risk

US intelligence assessments indicate that Iran and Yemen’s Houthi movement are taking the possibility of renewed American attacks, potentially alongside Israel, seriously, CNN reported.

Sources familiar with the assessments said an attack could trigger retaliation against US personnel and facilities across the Middle East, potentially extending beyond the region.

An October 23 memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran had substantially increased efforts to target American personnel, with alleged plotting efforts reaching advanced stages in the Middle East and other countries, CNN previously reported.

US intelligence officials believe Iran and the Houthis are unlikely to launch pre-emptive attacks at present but could respond if Iran is targeted first.

Washington is expected to reduce its diplomatic and military presence in the region amid these concerns. The US Embassy in Riyadh is under an ordered departure, while other American diplomatic missions could face similar restrictions or reduced staffing. Non-essential military personnel scheduled for the next troop rotation have also been told they will not deploy, according to CNN.

Strait of Hormuz remains a concern

The US continues to blockade Iranian ports while supporting shipping movements through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies.

US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper visited the waterway on Sunday and met service members involved in clearing Iranian mines.

“We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Gulf partners and the shipping industry,” Cooper said, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to freedom of navigation.

Despite increased tanker traffic, concerns about possible Iranian attacks continue to weigh on oil prices. A US official described the situation around the strait as “untenable” in the long term, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining the current arrangement without a diplomatic breakthrough.

Netanyahu seeks US backing for fresh strikes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pressing for additional attacks against Iran, but Washington has urged Israel to wait until the US is ready for joint operations, CNN reported, citing American and Israeli sources.

An Israeli security source said Netanyahu had sought Trump’s approval for a joint attack before the Israeli elections. Netanyahu’s office rejected the account as “fake news”.

Israel had been preparing further strikes and lobbying Washington for support, according to sources cited by CNN. Joint operations could take place after the US midterm elections. American assistance with missile defence remains important to Israel amid concerns over the potential impact of Iranian retaliation on its defensive capabilities.

Netanyahu has publicly stated that his objective is to topple the Iranian regime. However, US intelligence assessments cited by CNN suggest Israel’s broader strategy for achieving that goal remains unclear.

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