Plans include operations raids and commando missions intended to directly target nuclear development and enrichment facilities.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
The New York Times reported Sunday that the United States has completed advanced operational preparations for a possible large-scale military strike on Iran that could begin as early as Monday, amid heightened regional military readiness and growing expectations of escalation.
The report said the administration of President Donald Trump is operating under what officials described as an immediate timetable following the apparent exhaustion of diplomatic efforts with Tehran. Trump recently returned from a state visit to China.
Israeli defense officials were also placed on heightened alert following reports of a possible imminent American operation.
In Jerusalem, security officials were closely monitoring US force movements in the region and coordination with US Central Command, or CENTCOM.
The New York Times report said the proposed American operation would be broader and more aggressive than previous military actions involving Iran.
Intelligence and security officials cited in the reports said the United States was in the midst of advanced operational deployments across the Middle East.
Among the targets under consideration are Iran’s strategic energy and infrastructure assets, including power stations, military command systems and oil export facilities.
One reported focus of the plans is Kharg Island, described in the report as the central hub and economic artery of Iranian oil exports in the Persian Gulf.
The operational plans presented to the administration also reportedly include special operations raids and commando missions intended to “extract the nuclear dust” and directly target nuclear development and enrichment facilities connected to Iran’s nuclear program.
Security assessments referenced in the reports also warned that Iran could respond to a strike with a large-scale barrage of ballistic missiles aimed at multiple targets.
Additional reports circulating in Israeli media, including Maariv, Walla and the Hebrew-language outlet Srugim, said military preparations and regional deployments have intensified in recent days as expectations grow that a US-led attack could begin within days.
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