The U.S. military is preparing for potential involvement in Israel’s operations against Iran, as President Trump considers direct actions to effectively target Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
On Tuesday, Trump suggested that residents of Tehran might want to evacuate, hinting at possible U.S. actions against Iran just hours after he urged the nation to come to the table regarding their nuclear program.
A key consideration for Trump is whether to use a massive bunker-buster bomb—the GBU-57—targeting Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility. Some hardliners in Iran argue that such a move is crucial to neutralizing the nuclear threat.
Israel lacks these types of munitions, with the consensus being that they are among the few effective means to penetrate Iran’s heavily fortified nuclear sites. Additionally, only the U.S. stealth B-2 bomber can carry such bombs. Israeli officials are reportedly urging American counterparts to engage directly in the conflict.
Former Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz noted on CNN that “The United States is much stronger than us,” emphasizing the U.S. has capabilities that Israel simply doesn’t possess. He expressed confidence that any U.S. action would serve both Israeli and American interests.
Another former Israeli Defense Minister, Joab Garant, echoed this sentiment, asserting Trump has a responsibility to ensure regional stability and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Trump cut short his visit to a summit in Canada, returning to Washington to meet with his national security staff. He has already authorized enhanced military resources in the Middle East for defensive roles, including over 30 refueling tanker aircraft and two destroyers dispatched to support Israel against missile threats.
The tanker aircraft could provide refueling for Israeli jets, suggesting a potential escalation in U.S. military involvement.
U.S. officials shared with News Nation that military assets had been positioned in Europe as a precaution, should the situation escalate and require greater U.S. engagement.
This buildup adds to the existing U.S. military presence in the region, which numbers almost 40,000 troops alongside fighter jets and warships.
The increasing military assets and coordinated efforts might indicate that Washington is preparing for possible offensive actions as conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, with Israeli representatives warning that the situation could escalate dramatically within weeks.
Trump conducted a lengthy meeting with his national security team on Tuesday, though he hadn’t made any public commitments to specific actions by that afternoon. While he continues to pressure Iran to adhere to nuclear agreements, he remains vague about what might compel U.S. involvement, stating, “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Nonetheless, Trump alluded to the possibility of a U.S. role, claiming, “We now have full and complete control of the Iranian skies.” Officials clarified that while the U.S. has capabilities, they do not currently operate in Iranian airspace.
Trump remarked on Iran’s defensive systems, noting while they may be significant, they don’t compare to American military technology. He also indicated the U.S. could potentially become involved in the ongoing conflict.
Israel has been intensifying its missile strikes for several days, targeting Iran’s energy and military infrastructure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has flatly rejected any notion of negotiations since initiating a sweeping military offensive against Iranian targets last week.
This conflict, which began after accusations that Iran aimed to develop a nuclear weapon, has escalated into devastating exchanges of missile fire, leaving at least 24 individuals dead in Israel and over 220 in Iran.
The U.S. has already played a role in supporting Israel’s missile defense through the provision of advanced systems. Trump stated he seeks a “real end” to the conflict and is not interested in a ceasefire. However, he has emphasized that Iran “knows not to touch our troops,” warning of a strong U.S. response if such a scenario occurs.
