US and Israel Prepare for Potential Strikes on Iran as Ceasefire Nears Breaking Point

The most extensive joint military preparations between the United States and Israel since the ceasefire with Iran took effect are currently underway, anticipating a possible resumption of hostilities within the coming week, according to Middle Eastern officials cited by the New York Times.

These movements coincide with remarks from US President Donald Trump, who stated before departing for China: "Either they reach a deal or they will be destroyed, so one way or another, we will win."

Military Options on the Table

According to US officials, Washington's options include launching a new wave of intensive airstrikes against Iranian military targets and infrastructure, as well as a more complex scenario involving the deployment of special forces inside Iranian territory to access nuclear materials buried in underground facilities.

The newspaper detailed that hundreds of US special operations forces have arrived in the Middle East since March, as part of a plan designed to give the administration the option of conducting direct field operations should the political decision be made.

Ground Forces on Standby

Officials have reported that approximately five thousand US Marines, along with nearly two thousand paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division, are on standby in the region awaiting orders.

Military officials indicated these forces could be used in operations targeting the Isfahan nuclear site, aiming to reach and secure the stockpile of highly enriched uranium while providing a wide protective cordon for special operations elements.

The same sources acknowledged, however, that any ground operation inside Iran would carry significant risks and could lead to direct confrontations with Iranian forces, raising the likelihood of casualties.

Intelligence Assessments

US military officials believe previous strikes successfully targeted ballistic missile launch sites and ammunition depots of Iran's Revolutionary Guard. However, according to US intelligence estimates, Tehran has managed to regain control over a significant portion of its missile infrastructure and underground facilities.

Since the ceasefire began, the US Department of Defense has intensified the rearming of warships and attack aircraft deployed in the region, while Iranian officials have likewise confirmed their readiness for a possible return to military confrontations.