The US military is prepared to carry out a strike on Iran as early as this weekend, although President Donald Trump has yet to make a final decision, according to American media reports on Wednesday.
Top national security officials have informed Trump that the military is ready for potential strikes on Tehran by Saturday, CBS News reported. The White House is currently weighing the risks of escalation, as well as the political and military consequences of either taking action or showing restraint.
A CNN report also confirmed a high-level meeting at the White House to review the situation in Iran. In the coming days, the Pentagon is expected to move some personnel out of the Middle East to Europe and the US as any military action could provoke a counterattack from Tehran on American bases in neighboring countries.
However, one source told CBS News that relocating personnel and assets ahead of potential military operations is standard practice and does not necessarily indicate an imminent strike on Iran.
The US has been increasing its military presence in the region in recent weeks as the Trump administration pushes for a deal to limit Iran's nuclear programme and prevent the development of nuclear weapons. Iran, however, has consistently denied seeking to develop atomic weapons.
Last week, Trump announced that the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, was heading to join other US warships in the region. The Ford will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers, which have been stationed in the area for over two weeks.
Although two rounds of talks between the US and Iran have already taken place, tensions remain high. The first round occurred in Oman on February 6 while recent one held at the residence of the Omani envoy to Geneva. The two sides reportedly met separately with mediators.
According to CNN, several calendar events may influence the timing of a potential US strike. The Winter Olympics conclude on Sunday and some European officials believe that no strike would occur before then. Also, Ramadan began on Wednesday. An attack during the Muslim holy month could be seen as disrespectful to US allies in the region.