The US military is preparing for a possible weeks-long operation against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack, which would be a much more serious conflict than ever before between the two countries, Reuters reports.
Two US officials told the news agency, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the topic, that this would further raise the stakes in diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Dared Kushner will participate in negotiations with Iran on Tuesday in Geneva, mediated by representatives of Oman.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned today that while Trump prefers to reach a deal with Tehran, "it is very difficult to achieve."
Meanwhile, Trump has increased his military presence in the region, sparking fears of new military action.
The Americans sent another aircraft carrier, thousands of soldiers, fighter jets, guided missile destroyers, and other equipment that can be used for attack as well as defense.
Trump, addressing US soldiers in North Carolina, openly mentioned the possibility of regime change in Iran, saying that "it seems like that would be the best thing that could happen."
He did not say who, in his opinion, should take power in Iran, but only added that "there are people."
"For 47 years they've just talked and talked and talked," Trump said.
Yet the US president is hesitant to send troops to Iran by land.
The forces deployed so far indicate that any strikes would be carried out primarily from the air or from the sea.
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