• US military prepares for weeks-long operations against Iran amid rising tensions.
• President Trump confirms the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford to the region.
• Concerns grow over potential military conflict escalating beyond previous confrontations.
• Diplomatic negotiations continue despite military build-up and threats of attack.
• Iran vows to retaliate against any US strikes, raising risks of regional conflict.

The United States military is bracing for the possibility of sustained operations against Iran, with preparations indicating that President Donald Trump could order attacks extending several weeks. This strategic shift follows the deployment of a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, to the Middle East, signifying a move from posturing to a more aggressive military stance, according to aljazeera, Reuters, and Middle East Eye.

As military assets accumulate in the region, including additional fighter aircraft and guided-missile destroyers, Trump's administration signals a hardline approach towards Iran. During comments made to US troops, Trump stated that “it has been difficult to make a deal” with Iran and suggested that demonstrating military strength might be necessary for negotiations to be fruitful, reflecting sentiments echoed by a senior administration official, cited by India Times and Channel News Asia.

The planning indicates a potential targeting of not just nuclear infrastructures, but also broader Iranian state and security facilities. This raises concerns of significant Iranian retaliation, which could lead to an extended conflict involving US forces and increase the risk of regional instability, as highlighted by various sources including Middle East Eye and Reuters.

Trump has further escalated his rhetoric, indicating support for regime change in Iran, and warned that failing to reach an agreement would result in “very traumatic consequences.” His comments suggest an unsettling commitment to resolve tensions through military means rather than diplomacy, as intergovernmental discussions continue amidst these developments, according to India Times and Channel News Asia.