US forces are prepared to launch a major attack against Iran “within 96 hours” of receiving the order from US President Donald Trump, two US officials told CNN on Sunday. While Trump has not made a final decision on whether to commit to major military action after the US midterms, officials said any attack that would be conducted would “be a big effort,” going beyond prior US strikes against Iranian assets that can be quickly rebuilt, such as missile launchers and radars.
One source briefed on the matter told CNN that Israel had been preparing for possibly striking Iran, as well as lobbying the US to participate in the strikes. However, US officials, including Trump, told Israel to hold off on attacking, likely until after the midterm elections. “The plans are ready, waiting for Trump’s approval, could be after the midterms,” the source said.
