Trump Weighs Military Strikes to Dismantle Iranian Nuclear Program
President Donald Trump is deliberating with national security officials on a short, intensive military campaign to target Iranian nuclear and missile sites.
The United States and Israeli militaries have developed plans for a short, intensive military operation targeting nuclear facilities, missile and drone sites, and energy infrastructure within Iran. Donald Trump met with his national security team on November 5 and 6 to determine if these strikes are necessary to permanently dismantle Iran's nuclear program. While Trump expressed a preference not to destroy the rest of the country, he noted it might be necessary.
U.S. Central Command is finalizing preparations for major operations, with planners noting that the new moon on November 9 provides advantageous low-light conditions. The U.S. has already deployed three aircraft carriers, fighter jets, and special forces to the region. However, Trump has expressed reluctance to target oil facilities due to concerns over rising fuel prices.
Iran has warned that any attack would trigger regional retaliation against energy facilities and vital infrastructure. Tensions are further heightened by attacks on five tankers in the Strait of Hormuz since Sunday. Diplomatically, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi informed Trump that Iraq will not allow its territory to be used as a launchpad for aggression against neighboring countries.
In Washington, Vice President JD Vance attributed the Republican Party's loss of congressional control to the political cost of the conflict in the Gulf.
