US military stages rapid response plan for Iran strikes

American troops are positioned to begin a major offensive against Iran within 96 hours of receiving a formal order from President Donald Trump, two US officials told CNN on Sunday. The proposed operation would target infrastructure harder to replace than the missile launchers and radar systems hit in previous US strikes. This readiness creates a narrow window for action that could reshape security in the region before the country heads to the polls.

The timeline for the conflict has shifted multiple times in recent months. Earlier in the year, the United States conducted limited strikes on Iranian assets that could be quickly rebuilt. By late 2026, Israel began preparing for its own potential attacks and lobbied Washington to join in. US leadership, including Trump, advised Israel to wait until after the midterm elections to launch major operations.

One source briefed on the matter stated that plans are currently ready and awaiting Trump’s approval, which could come after the midterms. The delay allows the administration to assess the political environment before committing to a large-scale military effort. US intelligence indicates that Iran and the Houthis are taking the threat of renewed attacks seriously. Both groups are expected to retaliate immediately against US personnel and facilities in the Middle East if an attack occurs.

Despite the readiness for retaliation, US intelligence assesses that Iran and the Houthis are unlikely to strike first. To mitigate risks, the United States is expected to withdraw more personnel from its embassies in the region. The White House declined to comment on the timing. A senior Pentagon official told CNN that the Department is a planning organization and its job is to develop and execute military options ordered by the President.