Trump’s nod could trigger Iran strikes ‘within 96 hours’, US forces in Middle East ready: Report

The United States' forces stationed across the Middle East are prepared to launch fresh, potentially large-scale military operations against Iran “within 96 hours of receiving an order” from President Donald Trump, CNN reported, citing two US officials familiar with the matter.US President Donald Trump. (AFP)According to officials, Washington has already deployed sufficient military assets to the region to carry out the possible strikes.The planned campaign could mark a significant escalation in the war against beyond the limited strikes conducted since Trump suspended full-scale combat operations earlier this year.Rather than repeatedly targeting Iranian radars, missile launchers and other military infrastructures that Tehran can rapidly rebuild, the new operations could pursue a broader and more sustained set of objectives, the sources indicated. “It will be a big effort,” one of the officials told CNN.ALSO READ: Trump claims his endorsement could result in Netanyahu winning Israel elections as exit polls indicate a tight raceTrump could authorise operation before year-endSeveral current and former US officials briefed on military planning have indicated that preparations for another round of strikes are advancing, with some viewing presidential approval as the only remaining uncertainty, the report added.They expect Trump to authorise the operation before the year ends, although the period after the US midterm elections is seen as the more probable timeframe.US alerts regional alliesWashington has alerted several middle eastern nations and their regional partners to the prospect of fresh military strikes on Iran following next week's US midterm election, two diplomats familiar with the discussions told Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.The warnings also highlighted the risk that Tehran could retaliate against countries in the region if hostilities continue.President Trump has not made a final decision on whether to carry out new strikes against Iran, the diplomats stressed.Trump threatens ‘another Epic Fury’Last week, Trump hinted at US military operations against Iran if the latter failed to come to a diplomatic agreement aimed at restricting Tehran's nuclear programme. Addressing a campaign rally in Florida last Friday, he also mentioned his previous national security decisions and took potshots at the Iranian leadership.ALSO READ: Trump's midterm test and what the US election results could mean for India"We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree,” Trump said as reported by Fox News."If they're smart, they'll just say, 'Let's get down to business.' But, you know, I doubt they'll do that because perhaps they're not smart,” he added.In February, the US military and Israel jointly carried out strikes on Iran under ‘Operation Epic Fury’. The strikes led to the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several of his family members.