The government is getting closer and closer to a large regional one with – which may actually start much sooner than estimated – according to a related report by Axios.
According to the website, which cited unnamed sources, a US military presence in Iran would be in the nature of a regular campaign lasting several weeks, more akin to a full-scale war than a targeted operation in Venezuela to capture Maduro.
Israel also participated in the attack
As the relevant publication emphasizes, the operation will be joint between the US and Israel and much wider in scope than Israel’s 12-day war against Iran last June, in which the US was involved in order to strike underground nuclear facilities, and if the information is finally confirmed, it will target the Iranian leadership.
According to Axios, such a war would have a severe impact on the entire region and affect politics for the next three years of Trump’s presidency.
The website’s report suggests that Trump was very close to making a decision to strike Iran in early January, following the killing of thousands of protesters by the regime.
But when the “window of opportunity” closed, the government turned to a two-pronged strategy: nuclear negotiations combined with a massive build-up of its military presence.
The fact that there is virtually no serious progress on reaching an agreement immediately increases the likelihood of a swift attack.
The leaks after the talks and the Vance warning
The above comes a day after Trump advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met in Geneva for three hours with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Although both sides have said the talks have “made progress”, gaps remain wide and US officials do not appear optimistic they can be bridged.
Vice President Vance told Fox News today that the talks “went well” in some areas, but “in others it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to acknowledge and work through.”
Vance made it clear that while Trump wants a deal, it cannot be ruled out that he considers diplomacy to have “reached its end.”
Trump continues to gather strength
Trump’s armada now includes two aircraft carriers, about a dozen warships, hundreds of fighter jets and numerous air defense systems. Some of that power is still on the way.
More than 150 US military transport flights have carried weapons systems and ammunition to the Middle East. In the last 24 hours alone, another 50 fighter jets – F-35s, F-22s and F-16s have moved into the area.
According to Israeli officials cited by Axios, the Israeli government, which is pushing for a “maximalist” scenario that would target both regime change and Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, is preparing for the possibility of war within the next few days.
Sources say the US may need more time. Senator Lindsey Graham said the strikes could still be weeks away. Others, however, estimate that the attack may come sooner.
The two weeks and Operation Midnight Hammer
US officials said after Tuesday’s talks that Iran would come back with a detailed proposal within two weeks.
It is noted that on June 19 of last year, the White House had given Trump two weeks to decide between further talks or strikes. Three days later, he launched Operation Midnight Hammer.
