The US could be on the brink of a major war with Iran, according to new reports warning that fighting could break out far sooner than many people realise.
The claims come from Axios, a US-based news outlet known for insider reporting from Washington and national security officials. Axios reports that if the US launches military action against Iran, it would not be a small or limited strike. Instead, sources say it would likely be a large-scale war lasting several weeks, involving heavy air strikes and widespread attacks.
The operation, which could begin “very soon,” would probably be carried out alongside Israel, and would be far bigger than last year’s brief conflict, when the US helped Israel destroy Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. This time, the goal could go far beyond nuclear sites and directly threaten Iran’s ruling regime, sources say.
A war of this scale would have huge consequences across the Middle East and would likely dominate the rest of Donald Trump’s time in office. Despite this, Axios says there has been little public debate in the US about how close the situation may be to open conflict.
Trump almost ordered strikes against Iran in early January after the regime killed thousands of protesters. The White House then switched to a new strategy, which involved holding talks with Iran while quietly building up massive military force in the region.
According to Axios, the US has sent two aircraft carriers, a dozen warships, hundreds of fighter jets and multiple air defence systems to the area. More than 150 US military cargo flights have already delivered weapons and ammunition. In the past 24 hours alone, another 50 fighter jets – including F-35s, F-22s and F-16s – have been sent towards the Middle East.
Vice President Vance told Fox News the discussions between US and Iranian officials have gone “well” in some ways, but added: “in other ways it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through”.
Israeli officials told Axios they are preparing for the possibility of war within days, while some US officials believe strikes could still be weeks away.
One Trump adviser warned: “The boss is getting fed up. Some people around him warn him against going to war with Iran, but I think there is 90% chance we see kinetic action in the next few weeks.
Related video