The United States and Israel are intensely preparing for a possible resumption of war against Iran as early as next week, the New York Times reported on May 15, citing sources among officials in the Middle East.
According to the post, Trump’s closest aides have prepared a plan to resume active hostilities against him from China. The article stated that the document was developed in the event that the US President decided to break the stalemate in the war with Iran with the help of new bombings.
US officials told the newspaper that if Trump decides to resume hostilities, more aggressive bombing of Iranian military facilities and infrastructure will be considered as one possible option.
Another option involves a ground operation involving special forces. The US military would have to find enriched uranium hidden underground in Iranian nuclear facilities. In March, several hundred special forces arrived in the Middle East in anticipation of such a development.
Sources indicate to The New York Times that the ground operation will require thousands of auxiliary forces who will be required to provide a security perimeter and the ability to engage Iranian forces. The army acknowledged that this option entailed a high risk of casualties.
Trump, according to his aides, has not yet made a final decision regarding additional measures related to Iran. Tehran, in turn, has previously announced that it is ready to “respond to any aggression.”
Because of the war with Iran, Donald Trump is facing pressure inside and outside the United States. The US leader said the ultimate goal of the hostilities was to deny Tehran the opportunity to obtain nuclear weapons. So far, he has failed to negotiate an agreement with Iran that would define the future of the country’s nuclear program.
Since the beginning of the war, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of its most important oil supply routes. This led to a sharp rise in fuel prices. According to the New York Times, representatives of interested countries are trying to find a compromise in which Iran opens the Strait of Hormuz and allows Trump to declare victory.