Top U.S. national security officials have informed President Donald Trump that the military is prepared for possible strikes on Iran as soon as this weekend. Sources familiar with the discussions told CBS News that while planning is underway, no final decision has been made, and any military timeline may extend beyond Saturday.
Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, described conversations at the White House as fluid, with ongoing deliberations over the risks of escalation and the broader consequences of restraint.
Diplomacy Still on the Table
On Thursday, Trump addressed the state of negotiations with Iran, stating, “We’re either going to get a deal or it’s going to be unfortunate for them.” He estimated that a resolution could take up to 10–15 days, signaling urgency in ongoing diplomatic efforts.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that diplomacy remains the administration’s first option. Speaking to reporters, she noted that while there are “many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran,” no decision has been made and coordination with allies, including Israel, has not been confirmed.
Strategic Personnel Movements
Over the coming days, the Pentagon is temporarily moving some personnel out of the Middle East, primarily to Europe or the U.S., ahead of potential U.S. operations or retaliatory action by Iran. One official stressed that such repositioning is standard practice and does not indicate an immediate attack.
Leavitt cited a successful operation in June targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities as part of the administration’s strategic record, adding, “Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump and with his administration.”
Carrier Groups and Regional Posture
The U.S. has already deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier group to the region. A second carrier group, the USS Gerald Ford, is en route, currently off the coast of West Africa. These deployments are intended to strengthen U.S. military readiness as negotiations continue.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responded with an AI-generated post depicting the Gerald Ford at the bottom of the ocean. In the message on X, he warned of “weapons more dangerous than the warship itself,” signaling Tehran’s own military posture.
Ongoing Nuclear Negotiations
Diplomatic talks between Iranian and American negotiators took place Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland, focusing on Iran’s nuclear program. Discussions lasted several hours, and while progress has been reported, significant gaps remain, according to Leavitt. She indicated that Iran is expected to provide further details in the coming weeks, with follow-up consultations yet to be scheduled.
Historical Context of U.S.-Iran Tensions
The backdrop to current tensions includes last year’s military strikes jointly conducted by the U.S. and Israel against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Intelligence assessments suggested these strikes caused substantial damage to Iran’s enrichment program, which had been ramped up following the U.S. withdrawal from the 2014 nuclear deal. The International Atomic Energy Agency noted that Iran was enriching uranium to 60% purity—just short of weapons-grade levels—making the situation particularly sensitive.
During a December meeting at Mar-a-Lago, Trump reportedly expressed support for potential Israeli strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile program if a bilateral deal could not be reached. Iranian authorities have issued warnings to pilots in the southern region of the country regarding rocket activity, further heightening regional tension.
Balancing Risk and Decision-Making
The administration faces a complex set of calculations, weighing the potential for escalation against the necessity of maintaining strategic deterrence. All military forces slated for deployment to the region are expected to be in place by mid-March, providing the U.S. with operational flexibility as negotiations continue.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in roughly two weeks to discuss the evolving situation, highlighting the ongoing coordination with allies.
Next Steps
As of now, no timeline has been officially confirmed for action. The White House continues to monitor developments closely, balancing the readiness of U.S. forces with the possibility of a negotiated settlement. Trump and his team appear determined to keep diplomatic channels open while signaling a willingness to act if Iran fails to reach an acceptable agreement.
The coming days may prove decisive in determining whether the administration leans toward military action or achieves a breakthrough in nuclear negotiations, underscoring the high stakes of U.S.-Iran relations in early 2026.