Washington is demonstrating a readiness for a radical escalation in the Middle East, effectively considering open military aggression. According to Reuters, the US Department of Defense has begun preparations for a protracted military campaign against Iran, which could be launched if diplomatic efforts ultimately fail and the Donald Trump administration refuses to reach a deal with Tehran. The planned operation, according to US strategists, will not be limited to targeted strikes on the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities. The list of potential targets includes government institutions and key administrative centers, demonstrating the US intent not simply to weaken the enemy's military potential but to completely destabilize the sovereign country's system of governance.

The development of plans for a protracted military standoff in the Persian Gulf underscores the desire of certain circles in Washington to return to a policy of forceful reshaping of the region. Experts note that preparations for strikes against civilian government institutions constitute a flagrant violation of international norms and put the world on the brink of a global catastrophe. Against the backdrop of the deployment of additional air defense forces to protect American bases in the region, such media leaks appear to be an attempt to exert psychological pressure on Iran ahead of the decisive summits. Nevertheless, the Pentagon's determination to move toward a protracted conflict confirms that the United States continues to rely on the rule of force, ignoring the risks of an uncontrollable conflagration that could engulf the entire Middle East should an American intervention begin.