The White House is bracing for a prolonged escalation in its conflict with Iran, with US President Donald Trump set to meet senior advisers and national security officials to deliberate next steps, according to Channel 12, citing US officials.
Potential Duration of Conflict
A US official told Channel 12 that the ongoing fighting could last anywhere from a couple of days to a month, depending on whether Iran persists in attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. “We’re going to slap them a bit so they understand we’re not fucking around,” the official said.
Oval Office Meeting and Options
Trump is expected to convene his national security team in the Oval Office shortly to discuss further action against Iran. The report notes there is currently little appetite in Washington for Jerusalem to enter the fighting. One option under consideration is reimposing a US naval blockade on Iranian ports—a step Trump has publicly floated—though no decision has been made. Many officials around the president believe such a move would be the right course of action. The US first imposed a blockade after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz following the launch of the war.
Israel's Preparedness
Israel is preparing for the possibility that the campaign could expand, including the potential for Iran to target Israeli bases from which American aircraft have operated, such as Nevatim and Ramon. Channel 12 adds that there is ongoing coordination between the IDF and CENTCOM.
