16.05.2026 12:10
After US President Donald Trump's threat with the words "We will destroy Iran in 2 days," striking claims emerged in the US press. It was alleged that the US and Israel have made comprehensive preparations for a possible attack on Iran, with operations reportedly set to begin next week. According to reports, options on the table include aerial bombardment, ground operations against nuclear facilities, and seizing Khark Island.
According to a report by The New York Times, two sources authorized on Middle Eastern affairs, who declined to be named, made statements regarding possible steps the US and Israel could take against Iran.
CLAIM OF MOVEMENT NEXT WEEK
Officials who suggested that the US and Israel are conducting intensive preparations for the possibility of resuming attacks on Iran "as early as next week" noted that these are "the most comprehensive preparations made since the ceasefire took effect."
FIRST PLAN: INTENSE BOMBARDMENT
The officials stated that if US President Donald Trump "decides to resume military attacks," the options include conducting more intense bombardments targeting Iran's military and infrastructure objectives.
GROUND TROOPS MAY BE DEPLOYED TO THE FIELD
Officials noted that another option is to deploy special operations forces to seize nuclear materials in Iran, and claimed that in March, a group of special operations personnel was dispatched to the Middle East to present this option to Trump.
While emphasizing that this option could entail serious risks of casualties, the officials expressed that victory could be "a difficult goal" for the US and Israel.
7,000 SOLDIERS AWAITING ORDERS
Officials indicated that approximately 5,000 marines and about 2,000 infantry soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division are awaiting instructions in the region, and noted that if a green light is given for a potential field operation, these units could be used to access materials at the nuclear facility in Iran's city of Isfahan.
KHARG ISLAND ALSO AMONG TARGETS
Officials reported that these units could also be used in efforts to capture Kharg Island, the center of Iran's oil exports, but the military would need additional ground troops for that purpose.
US PRESIDENT TRUMP'S NEW THREAT TO IRAN
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed that he does not underestimate Tehran's resilience, but that if he wanted, they could destroy Iran's infrastructure "in two days."
Referring to repeated setbacks in diplomacy with Iran, the US President argued that "Tehran is unreliable and unpredictable in negotiations."
"THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THEM"
Trump said, "They were going to give us everything we wanted, but every time they make a deal, the next day they act as if that conversation never happened. This has probably happened five times. There is something wrong with them."
Trump also noted that a possible solution could be military or diplomatic and would depend on Iran's stance, saying, "It will either be violent or non-violent; I prefer the non-violent one."