US military preparing for potential weeks-long operations against Iran, officials say

The U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran should President Donald Trump order an attack, two U.S. officials said on condition of anonymity.

The officials described the planning as more complex than previous actions, potentially escalating into a more serious conflict. This comes amid diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program, including talks in Oman last week following U.S. military buildup in the region.

U.S. officials announced Friday that the Pentagon is deploying an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East, along with thousands more troops, fighter aircraft, guided-missile destroyers and other assets for attacks and defense.

Speaking to U.S. troops at a North Carolina base Friday, Trump said dealing with Iran has been difficult and that fear is sometimes necessary. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that Trump has all options on the table regarding Iran and makes decisions based on U.S. national security. The Pentagon declined comment.

Last year, the U.S. sent two aircraft carriers to the region for the "Midnight Hammer" operation, a one-off strike on Iranian nuclear sites using stealth bombers from the U.S. Iran responded with a limited strike on a U.S. base in Qatar.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned of retaliation against U.S. bases in the event of strikes on Iranian territory. The U.S. maintains bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Trump in Washington on Wednesday, stressing that any Iran agreement must address Israel's vital interests. Iran has indicated willingness to discuss nuclear curbs in exchange for sanctions relief but rejects linking it to its missile program.