The New York Times: Trump’s aides prepared plans for military strikes on Iran
Dubai: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that Operation Epic Fury, which was suspended last month, could resume within days.
The prospect of a renewed US–Israeli conflict with Iran remains uncertain, despite Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s visit to Tehran to discuss the possibility of resuming negotiations.
While Islamabad has not publicly emphasised its mediation between Washington and Tehran, The New York Times, citing Middle Eastern officials, reported that the United States and Israel are intensifying preparations for a potential resumption of military action against Iran, possibly as early as next week, amid growing expectations that diplomatic efforts could collapse.
The report stated that aides to former President Donald Trump had developed plans that include renewed military strikes against Iran aimed at breaking the current stalemate.
Trump was quoted as saying that the latest Iranian proposal was unacceptable, adding: “I didn’t like the first sentence, so I threw it in the bin,” and reiterating his warning that Iran “will either reach an agreement or be destroyed”.
'Epic Fury'
According to the report, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed during a congressional hearing that the US military has a “plan to escalate if necessary”. He indicated that Operation Epic Fury, which was paused last month, could be restarted within days.
Military sources say the options under consideration include intensified air strikes targeting Revolutionary Guard positions and Iranian military infrastructure. A more high-risk scenario under review involves deploying special forces inside Iran to secure enriched nuclear material stored in underground facilities.
One key site is the Isfahan nuclear facility, believed to hold approximately 200 kilograms of uranium enriched to up to 60 per cent — a level that could be further enriched to weapons-grade (90 per cent), according to estimates by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The report also noted that US intelligence believes Tehran has restored operational access to 30 of its 33 missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz, renewing a potential threat to global shipping lanes and oil tankers in the region.
Heightened Israeli alert
In Israel, officials increasingly believe that US–Iran negotiations are heading towards failure, prompting renewed discussion of military options. These include strikes on energy facilities, industrial infrastructure, sites linked to Iran’s nuclear programme, and missile systems.
The New York Times added that any potential ground operation would likely focus primarily on the Isfahan nuclear facility.
Meanwhile, Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot reported a heightened state of alert, reflecting uncertainty over whether Washington will pursue military action or continue diplomatic engagement.
The report suggested that the United States may opt for limited, rapid strikes against specific Iranian targets to increase pressure on Tehran.
Ongoing military presence
Separately, the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest and newest in the US fleet, arrived at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia after nearly a year at sea, during which it was involved in operations linked to Iran.
Observers noted that its return does not necessarily signal a reduction in the likelihood of conflict, as it is primarily related to routine operational and logistical needs.
The region continues to see a significant US military presence. US Central Command (CENTCOM) has maintained strike-ready naval forces, including the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea and USS George H.W. Bush.
In total, the United States is estimated to have around 20 warships deployed across regional waters, supporting maritime security operations, enforcing naval blockades, and preparing to respond to potential escalation or unexpected attacks.
Despite ongoing discussions around de-escalation and renewed negotiations, the risk of further escalation remains high due to stalled diplomatic efforts and rising military readiness on all sides.