U.S. CENTCOM prepares strike options on Iran as Trump hints at imminent action
U.S. Central Command has drafted multiple attack scenarios against Iran, awaiting authorization from President Trump, who has suggested a strike could occur as early as tomorrow.
Central Command has finished drafting a range of military options for a renewed assault on Iran, covering energy facilities, critical infrastructure and nuclear installations, and these plans are ready for White House approval. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has received briefings on the various scenarios, and the United States is reinforcing its presence in the Middle East with an extra carrier strike group, roughly 10,000 troops and a Marine Expeditionary Unit.
President Donald Trump has hinted that an attack could be launched as soon as tomorrow, while also leaving open the chance for a "big, beautiful" agreement with Tehran. Iranian officials have condemned the U.S. posture, accusing America of sabotaging negotiations and warning of a wider response, including claims of shooting down a U.S.-made LUCAS drone over Bandar Abbas. Intelligence reports indicate Iran is increasing attempts to target U.S. personnel abroad, and Tehran has outlined plans to strike undersea cables and energy assets if hostilities resume. Analysts say both sides are using the preparations as deterrence and as a possible prelude to further escalation.
Why it matters
The potential for renewed U.S. strikes on Iran could reignite a regional conflict and affect global energy markets.
How this story developed
- Sep 29 Oil prices jump as US-Iran tensions flare and US troops leave Iraq
- Oct 14 Trump warned that Washington will soon decide its next move against Iran.
- Oct 17 President Pezeshkian issued a new statement declaring talks with the United States futile.
- Oct 18 Donald Trump publicly backed Benjamin Netanyahu’s reelection bid, saying the Israeli leader is essential to counter Iran and that a different premier would force the United States to take on more of the conflict.
- Oct 18 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump on Sunday for his support ahead of the parliamentary elections on 27 October.
- Oct 18 Trump posted his endorsement of Netanyahu on Truth Social.
- Oct 19 Netanyahu warned Israel could face a hostile U.S. president after Trump’s term.
- Oct 19 Trump warned that a different Israeli leader could compel the United States to intervene against Iran.
- Oct 20 Vice President JD Vance announced he will not support Netanyahu in the Israeli election.
- Oct 21 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared a more extensive attack on Iran for Oct. 10, but President Donald Trump opposed the plan ahead of the U.S. midterms.
- Oct 21 Channel 12 poll shows 64% of voters say Trump’s endorsement will not affect their vote, 17% say it reduces support for Netanyahu, and 12% say it reinforces support.
- Oct 23 Netanyahu announced plans for a larger strike on Iran.
- Oct 24 Trump hinted at a possible limited “Epic Fury” operation against Iran.
- Oct 24 Former President Barack Obama publicly criticized Trump’s conduct of the Iran war and tied it to cost‑of‑living concerns.
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