Khaberni - American media reported that the U.S. military has informed the White House of its readiness to start striking Iran from the end of this week amidst Israeli leaks about a state of maximum alert in Israel and anticipation of the worst options.
According to sources, Trump discussed in private sessions both supporting and opposing options for military action and continues to seek advice from his advisors and allies on the best course of action, spending "a lot of time thinking about it.”
NBC News reported from U.S. officials and open-source information that the Pentagon continues to send a large array of additional weapons to the Middle East, including more warships, air defenses, and submarines in preparation for a potential military strike on Iran.
They also reported from U.S. officials that the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford and its accompanying ships are expected to arrive in the Middle East in the coming days, while a nuclear submarine is present in the Mediterranean Sea.
The network mentioned that upon the arrival of the aircraft carrier Ford, it will join the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying ships forming the carrier strike group in the Gulf, pointing out that a number of air defense capabilities including the Patriot systems are not yet fully ready.
Military reinforcements and field movements
CNN reported from its sources that the U.S. Air Force has begun to transfer fighters and refueling aircraft from its bases in Britain to locations closer to the Middle East, as part of reinforcements that also included naval assets.
Media reports suggested that the aircraft carrier "Gerald Ford" may arrive in the area in the coming days, while the carrier "Abraham Lincoln" and its combat group are already operational.
In the same context, CBS News reported from officials that top national security officials have informed Trump that the military is ready to execute strikes by Saturday, but the timetable for any action could extend beyond the end of the week, confirming that the president has not yet decided.
Officials explained that the Pentagon is temporarily "repositioning" some forces outside the Middle East in anticipation of any possible Iranian response, stating that such measures are part of routine preparations and do not necessarily mean that an attack is imminent.
On another note, Axios reported from one of the president's advisors that there is a 90% chance of military action against Iran in the coming weeks, indicating that people around Trump are warning him against entering into a war.
They added that President Trump is beginning to feel fatigued, and it does not seem likely that an agreement between Washington and Tehran will be reached anytime soon, and that the U.S. administration is closer to a major war in the Middle East that could start very soon.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported from a U.S. Navy official that the United States now possesses 13 ships in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean to support any potential operation.
The newspaper also reported from U.S. officials that the United States has firepower that allows for a sustained aerial war against Iran for weeks.
The New York Times reported from officials in the Trump administration and the Pentagon that the United States has bolstered its defensive capabilities since President Trump threatened to strike Iran in January.
The newspaper also reported from military officials that the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford might arrive in the Mediterranean by the end of this week or early next week.
They added that it is likely that the Gerald Ford aircraft carrier will initially be positioned near the coast of Israel.
The New York Times reported from a U.S. military official that the military is now capable of protecting its forces and allies from any Iranian response.
It also reported from U.S. national security officials that Trump has been informed of the uncertain success of any operation to change the Iranian leadership.
Estimations and Israeli Concerns
Israelly, Maariv newspaper said that the Israeli military has been on high alert for about a month, with readiness increasing day by day, and there is fear that Iran might resort to what is described as a "doomsday option," despite Israeli estimates that Iran's launch and bombing capabilities are limited.
Walla website reported from Israeli sources that the U.S. military is ready for war and has moved to a siege mode while waiting for President Trump's decision, noting that the size of the U.S. forces ready at this time is sufficient to start a broad attack on Iran.
The website also reported from Israeli sources that their assessments indicate that the United States is closer to launching an attack on Iran than reaching an agreement with it.
Prime Minister: Poles should leave Iran immediately
Poland to its citizens: Leave Iran immediately
In this context, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said today, Thursday, that all Poles should leave Iran immediately and warned that a potential military conflict could make evacuation impossible within hours.
Please leave Iran immediately… and under no circumstances travel to this country."
Ongoing Talks
These developments come alongside indirect talks between American negotiators and their Iranian counterparts in Geneva that lasted for hours. U.S. officials stated that "some progress" has been made, but there are still outstanding issues that require further discussion.
The White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt declared that the United States expects Iran to provide more details about its negotiating stance in the next two weeks, affirming that "diplomacy is the preferred option for the president," with military action still on the table.
In this context, Reuters reported from a senior U.S. official that Iran is expected to submit a written proposal explaining how to resolve its dispute with the United States, as part of the recent talks that took place in Geneva.
The official clarified that during the Geneva talks, Iran agreed to submit a written proposal addressing the concerns of Washington, adding "we are currently waiting for that from the Iranians."
The official pointed out that Trump has ordered the continued reinforcement of U.S. forces in the region, including the arrival of the second group of aircraft carriers, indicating that the forces are expected to be at "full strength" by mid-March.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and brief him on the developments of the talks, according to U.S. officials.
Fears of Escalation
On the other hand, recent satellite images have shown that Iran has fortified some of its nuclear facilities, amid reports of using concrete and large amounts of soil to reinforce sensitive sites.
These developments occur amid escalating tensions since Washington's withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018, and the rising levels of uranium enrichment in Iran, raising concerns about a potential open military confrontation, despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
