US Military Prepares for Possible Weeks-Long Operations Against Iran, Reuters Reports

Two U.S. officials told Reuters that the U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of conducting sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran.

The officials stated on Friday, February 13, that the Pentagon is deploying an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East and augmenting forces there with thousands of troops, fighter jets, guided-missile destroyers and other combat equipment capable of both offensive and defensive operations.

In a speech to U.S. forces at a base in North Carolina, former President Donald Trump said reaching an agreement with Iran has been difficult. He added, "Sometimes there must be fear. This is the only thing that can really fix things."

The Reuters report indicated that potential U.S. targets could include not only Iran's nuclear infrastructure but also its government and security facilities.

Separately, Axios reported that a second round of Iran-U.S. negotiations is scheduled for Tuesday in Switzerland.