Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivers recorded remarks from his office at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Feb. 20, 2025. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)
The Pentagon has prepared plans for a possible renewed military campaign against Iran as President Donald Trump weighs whether to resume strikes following stalled negotiations and mounting tensions in the Middle East.
According to The New York Times, U.S. and Israeli officials have intensified military preparations for the possible return of combat operations as early as next week if diplomatic efforts fail.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled the administration is prepared to escalate.
“We have a plan to escalate if necessary,” Hegseth told lawmakers this week.
The US may launch new strikes on Iran within days
According to The New York Times, Trump’s team and the Pentagon are discussing large-scale bombings and special forces operations targeting underground nuclear facilities. pic.twitter.com/8YHnfxUFXe
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 16, 2026
Trump, returning from China on Friday, indicated Tehran’s latest peace proposal was a non-starter.
“I looked at it, and if I don’t like the first sentence, I just throw it away,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
The president has repeatedly warned Iran against dragging out negotiations.
“They’re either going to make a deal, or they’re going to be decimated,” Trump said earlier this week. “So, one way or another, we win.”
BREAKING: Trump indicated he could accept a 20-year halt to Iran’s nuclear activity:
20 years is enough. But the level of guarantee from them… it’s got to be a real 20 years. pic.twitter.com/cic86rTAuC
— Clash Report (@clashreport) May 15, 2026
Potential military options reportedly include expanded bombing campaigns targeting Iranian military infrastructure, missile facilities, and other strategic sites.
More aggressive scenarios under discussion reportedly include deploying U.S. Special Operations forces to target deeply buried nuclear materials at Iran’s Isfahan nuclear facility.
However, such an operation would carry significant military risk and require broader troop support.
The Pentagon has maintained a major force posture across the region since last month’s ceasefire, including more than 50,000 troops, two aircraft carriers, Navy destroyers, and combat aircraft.
Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said this week that U.S. forces remain prepared.
Military planning comes as Iran appears to be reconstituting key capabilities damaged in earlier strikes.
Meanwhile, credible intelligence reports indicate Tehran has restored access to much of its missile infrastructure, including launch sites along the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials have also signaled readiness for a return to hostilities.
“Our armed forces are ready to deliver a well-deserved response to any aggression,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said.
Trump has not publicly made a final decision, but the prospect of renewed strikes appears increasingly real.
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