According to a report by the Times of Israel on Saturday May 16, 2026, reportedly, military planners in the US and Israel are ramping up their readiness to launch renewed attacks on Iran, with some saying that operations may start as soon as next week.
The New York Times cites Middle Eastern officials in reporting that preparation has recently ramped up to a new level of intensity, the largest military buildup since the war momentarily ceased last month, when a ceasefire temporarily halted the conflict.
Rumour has it that US officials have floated the idea of sending commandos to the scene in order to retrieve nuclear material that could be hidden beneath the rubble of destroyed sites.
The publication was informed by military sources that such an operation would be extremely precarious and logistically challenging, necessitating substantial auxiliary forces to ensure the safety of the region and maybe even engage Iranian soldiers head-on.
In addition, officials deliberated potential outcomes pertaining to Kharg Island, a Persian Gulf oil export hub for Iran. The article states that the possible deployment of troops might be associated with operations aimed at acquiring or securing strategic infrastructure in that area.
Meanwhile, officials are allegedly contemplating a more aggressive bombing campaign than prior operations, which may entail a wider wave of attacks targeting Iranian military locations and infrastructure.
According to Israel, its stated goals in the military campaign against Iran were to undermine Tehran’s military might, lessen dangers associated with the country’s nuclear and missile programs, and contribute to the development of circumstances that could lead to internal regime instability in Iran.
Although large-scale violence ceased last month, tensions across the region remained simmering, and many of those aims are still unsolved.
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