US Prepares for Potential Weeks-Long Iran Military Operation

Officials warn a campaign could escalate into 'a far more serious conflict' than previously seen between the two nations.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The U.S. military is preparing for a sustained, multi-week operation against Iran if President Trump orders an attack, according to two anonymous administration officials. They warn that such a campaign could escalate into 'a far more serious conflict' than previously seen between the U.S. and Iran, with potential strikes on Iranian state and security facilities, not just nuclear infrastructure, and expected retaliation from Tehran.

Why it matters

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been escalating amid negotiations over the Iranian nuclear program. A potential military conflict could have significant regional and global implications, disrupting diplomatic efforts and risking a broader conflagration.

The details

The officials said Washington could carry out strikes on Iranian state and security facilities, not just nuclear infrastructure, as part of a probable campaign. They specified that the U.S. 'fully' expects Tehran to hit back, triggering 'back-and-forth strikes and reprisals over a period of time.' The two countries recently held talks in Oman, which both sides described as positive, but Iranian officials have reiterated that Tehran's nuclear program is peaceful and ruled out abandoning uranium enrichment.

  • Earlier this month, officials from the U.S. and Iran met in Oman for their first negotiations since last year's Israeli and American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
  • The next round of talks between the U.S. and Iran will take place in Vienna on Tuesday.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who is considering ordering a military strike against Iran.

Abbas Araghchi

The Iranian Foreign Minister who has reiterated that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful and ruled out abandoning uranium enrichment.

Sergei Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister who has described the escalation between the U.S. and Iran as 'potentially explosive' and called for a peaceful resolution to the tensions.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This potential military operation highlights the fragile state of U.S.-Iran relations and the risk of a broader regional conflict erupting from the ongoing tensions and negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. The situation requires careful diplomatic maneuvering to avoid a dangerous escalation.