The United States military has positioned forces for a potential strike on Iran as early as this weekend, but President Donald Trump has yet to give the final order, according to sources familiar with internal discussions.
White House officials have been told that, following a rapid buildup of American air and naval power in the Middle East, US forces could be ready to act within days. However, Trump remains undecided, continuing to consult advisers and allies while weighing the risks and potential benefits of military action.
Senior national security officials convened in the Situation Room on Wednesday to review options related to Iran. The president has also received briefings from special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner regarding indirect diplomatic contacts with Iranian representatives earlier in the week. It is still unclear whether Trump will reach a decision before the weekend.
“He is spending a lot of time thinking about this,” one source said.
Indirect negotiations between US and Iranian officials in Geneva reportedly lasted more than three hours but ended without a breakthrough. Iran’s chief negotiator said the sides agreed on general “guiding principles,” while a US official cautioned that major issues remain unresolved.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran is expected to clarify its negotiating position in the coming weeks, but declined to say whether Trump would delay potential military action during that time.
“I’m not going to set deadlines on behalf of the president of the United States,” Leavitt said, adding that while diplomacy is preferred, the option of force remains on the table.
The US military posture in the region has continued to intensify. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford could arrive in the area soon, joining other recently deployed assets. US Air Force refueling aircraft and fighter jets based in the United Kingdom have also been moved closer to the Middle East, according to sources.
Meanwhile, satellite imagery reviewed by the Institute for Science and International Security indicates that Iran has reinforced key nuclear facilities with additional layers of concrete and earth, possibly to protect them from airstrikes.
Any potential action could coincide with several major events, including the conclusion of the Winter Olympics on Sunday, the start of Ramadan, and Trump’s scheduled State of the Union address next week. It remains unclear whether these milestones factor into his decision-making.
Trump has repeatedly said Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon and has hinted at broader goals, including possible regime change. However, he has not publicly outlined specific objectives for a military campaign or sought congressional authorization for large-scale action.
