The U.S. military is preparing for a potential escalation in military operations against Iran as President Trump considers limited strikes and has ordered a significant buildup of naval forces in the Middle East. The repositioning of aircraft carriers and other warships has raised concerns about the possibility of imminent conflict, though it remains unclear whether the military movements are intended as intimidation tactics to pressure Iran on nuclear negotiations.
U.S. military planning has reached an advanced stage, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters. Options under consideration include targeting individuals and pursuing leadership change in Tehran. Trump has given Iran a deadline of 10 to 15 days to reach a nuclear deal, warning of "really bad things" if the country does not comply. When asked about considering limited strikes to pressure Iran, Trump told reporters: "I guess I can say I am considering it."
Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the prospect of military solutions to the nuclear dispute. He pointed to previous attacks on Iranian facilities last year that killed scientists but failed to stop the nuclear program. Araghchi held indirect talks in Geneva this week with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He said the sides had reached an understanding on main guiding principles, though this does not indicate a deal is close. Araghchi stated he would have a draft counterproposal ready within two or three days.
The current tensions reflect a long-running dispute over Iran's nuclear program. Trump exited the internationally backed nuclear deal during his first term, which had restricted Iran's activities. Following Trump's departure from the agreement, Tehran began expanding its nuclear program. Israel, encouraged by Trump's support for aggressive action, led a 12-day military campaign against Iran in June 2025, with U.S. participation.
Military and policy experts express doubt that an intensified air campaign would achieve the administration's stated objectives. Even strikes targeting critical infrastructure such as bridges, water facilities, and electricity plants are unlikely to break Tehran's resolve or force significant concessions, according to analysts.
Trump has also referenced a crackdown on protests in Iran, stating that 32,000 people were killed, figures that could not be verified. Iran's human rights monitoring group Hrana reports verifying 7,114 deaths with another 11,700 under review. The Iranian government published a list claiming 3,117 deaths from what it called a "recent terrorist operation."
Any decision to launch major military operations against Iran would carry significant risks, including potential retaliation against U.S. interests and allies in the region, disruption to global energy markets, and the possibility of broader regional conflict. The United Nations has expressed concerns about heightened rhetoric and increased military activities in the region.