In a recent development, former President Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of launching another military operation against Iran if the nation refuses to engage in negotiations. This comes as the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) keeps strategic plans ready to be executed upon receiving the green light from the White House, according to findings from a report by The Hill.
The situation is becoming more tense as diplomatic discussions have stalled for weeks. The conflict, which has been ongoing since the Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026, has now extended beyond eight months without a resolution.
During a rally held in Fort Myers, Florida, last Friday, Trump did not mince words: "We might conduct another small Epic Fury. Or they will agree. If they're smart, they'll want to work it out. I doubt it, maybe they're not smart."
Tom Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria and Iraq, was even more forthright in an interview published on the same day: "Could there be an attack this weekend? Absolutely. The president has been clear: he is willing and ready for a deal. We've been at the table for many months."
Trump, however, downplayed his envoy's remarks: "That was my ambassador... a pretty powerful man, I guess. If that's true, I don't know anything about it."
On Wednesday, Trump had already issued a warning that Washington is "not negotiating with Iran" and that "something will happen one way or another quite soon."
Anonymous sources cited by The Hill confirmed that CENTCOM has several attack options ready, which have been presented to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Hegseth recently visited U.S. troops in the Middle East alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Gregory Brew, an Iran expert at the Eurasia Group, noted it is "quite likely" that the U.S. will resume military actions after the midterm elections in November: "The Iranians are not budging; they show no flexibility. They've been holding firm on their negotiating stance for weeks."
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed Washington for the failure of a provisional agreement reached in June, stating that "the Americans ruined everything," though he left the door open for further talks.
Iran has warned that any retaliation will be "bigger, more aggressive, and different" than before, targeting U.S. bases and ships, oil pipelines, refineries, and Gulf allies. Brew also cautioned that Iranian officials have explicitly mentioned that "submarine cables in the Persian Gulf, AI data centers, and tech infrastructure will be considered targets" should a new attack occur.
The intelligence alert paints a grim picture: Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton has warned Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a memo that Iranian plans to target U.S. officials have reached "advanced stages" both in the Middle East and elsewhere.
The U.S. continues to maintain a robust military presence in the region, with over 50,000 troops and around 20 warships. An additional carrier strike group, led by the USS Theodore Roosevelt, is en route, along with 4,000 marines aboard the USS Makin Island.
The price of Brent crude oil exceeded $117 per barrel on Friday, its highest level since May, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the potential for renewed conflict in a region critical to energy routes.
Key Questions on U.S.-Iran Tensions
What prompted Trump's threat of military action against Iran?
Trump's threat comes amid stalled diplomatic negotiations with Iran, ongoing for over eight months since Operation Epic Fury.
What are Iran's potential targets in case of conflict?
Iran has indicated it might target U.S. bases, ships, oil pipelines, refineries, and even AI data centers and tech infrastructure in the Persian Gulf.
How is the U.S. military positioned in the Middle East?
The U.S. has more than 50,000 troops and about 20 warships in the region, with additional forces and the USS Theodore Roosevelt on the way.