Washington prepares military infrastructure for potential Iranian operations as senior administration officials develop contingency plans for direct engagement with Tehran, according to sources familiar with internal discussions. Bloomberg reported that the evolving situation could shift rapidly, with some officials pointing toward possible weekend military action.
Federal agency leadership has begun operational preparations for potential strikes, according to Bloomberg sources who spoke anonymously about confidential planning sessions. The military preparations represent a significant escalation in US posture toward Iran, which has been engaged in active hostilities with Israel for nearly one week.
President Donald Trump has publicly contemplated Iranian military action for several days, telling White House reporters Wednesday that he possesses "ideas as to what to do" regarding the Tehran situation. The president explained his preference to make the "final decision one second before it's due" due to the fluid nature of Middle Eastern developments, Bloomberg reported. According to multiple outlets in Washington, he has already given a green light to attack plans, but has yet to issue the order and it is still unclear if he intends to.
Earlier Wednesday, Trump addressed reporters' questions about potential Iranian operations, stating "I may do it. I may not do it" when pressed about moving toward military engagement. White House officials confirmed that all operational options remain under active consideration.
The president's current military stance marks a dramatic departure from his diplomatic approach one week prior, when Trump advocated for negotiated nuclear disarmament agreements with Iranian leadership. The shift in approach provides Iranian officials additional time to demonstrate uranium enrichment concessions that might deter American military action.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on social media Wednesday that Tehran remains "committed to diplomacy" and has never pursued nuclear weapons capabilities. European diplomatic channels remain active, with UK, French, and German foreign ministers scheduled for nuclear discussions with their Iranian counterpart Friday in Geneva, according to sources familiar with the planning.
Trump's evolving position reflects growing allied pressure regarding Iran's nuclear program advancement. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has emerged as a primary advocate for military action, engaging in multiple conversations with the president about Iranian threats.
"He gave them a chance for diplomacy. I think they made a miscalculation," Graham said Wednesday regarding Iranian leadership, according to Bloomberg. The senator emphasized urgency in addressing the nuclear threat, stating "The sooner we end this threat to mankind, the better."
Graham, who confirmed speaking with Trump Tuesday, described the president as "very focused, very calm" and said Trump "means it" when discussing preventing Iranian nuclear weapons acquisition. The senator's influence reflects growing congressional pressure for decisive action.
Trump revealed Tuesday that he encouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "keep going" with current offensive operations during their phone conversation. Iranian forces have launched 400 ballistic missiles and hundreds of drone attacks against Israel since the current conflict began, according to Israeli government data reported by Bloomberg. The Iranian assault has resulted in 24 Israeli fatalities and more than 800 injuries, while Israeli counterstrikes have killed at least 224 Iranians.
