Rising geopolitical strains in the Middle East have put both U.S. and Iranian forces on elevated alert, as Washington weighs deeper involvement in Israel’s ongoing clash with Iran.
According to the report from the New York Times citing American officials, Tehran has readied a suite of ballistic missiles and military assets for potential strikes against U.S. installations across the region—preparatory steps should America side militarily with Israel.
Meanwhile, Asharq News, an Arabic-language television Saudi channel, cited a quotation from Iranian television, stating that “There will be a surprise tonight that the world will remember for centuries.”
The Pentagon, in turn, has deployed roughly 36 aerial refueling tankers to European locations. These aircraft are positioned to support both defensive fighter missions shielding American interests, as well as to offer logistical support to bombers in the event of any U.S.-led action against critical Iranian nuclear infrastructure, such as the heavily fortified Fordo site.
Anxiety in Washington is mounting as Israeli officials intensify calls for U.S. involvement. According to U.S. assessments, any attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities could trigger a swift and severe wave of regional escalation. Iran-backed groups are expected to retaliate: Houthi forces in Yemen could reinitiate assaults on shipping throughout the Red Sea, while Iran-aligned militias in Iraq and Syria are likely to mount attacks on American positions.
Strategists also warn of broader maritime risks. Iranian units could seek to lay mines across the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, threatening the freedom of navigation and pinning down U.S. naval assets in the Gulf.
Iranian officials, acknowledging the risk of wider war, underscored that any American intervention would bring a forceful response targeting U.S. positions throughout Iraq and other Arab states participating in the conflict. Both sides are bracing for the potential of rapid escalation, with regional security hanging in the balance.
U.S. President Donald Trump earlier ramped up his rhetoric, calling for Iran to surrender without any conditions. Speaking to the public via social media, Trump indicated that America’s patience is nearing its limit, though he clarified there is currently “no intention” to target Iran’s top leadership.
Inside the White House, Trump convened with senior advisers in the Situation Room to assess the U.S. response. While all options remain on the table, the possibility of a targeted military strike against Iran has emerged as one of several potential courses of action, according to officials familiar with the discussions.
