The United States is expanding its military presence across the Middle East as President Donald Trump receives detailed options for attacking Iran, but Israeli military officials are increasingly concerned that Washington could launch another round of strikes only to end the confrontation before Israel achieves its objectives.
The preparations reportedly include military cargo aircraft arriving at Israeli and Gulf air bases, the movement of Patriot air defence systems, and precautionary measures to protect American troops from potential Iranian retaliation.
Yet the most consequential development may be taking place in Washington, where an unusual meeting between Trump and the commander of US Central Command has raised questions about how close the administration is to authorising another military campaign.
An Unusual Military Briefing Raises Questions About Trump’s Next Move
According to The Wall Street Journal, US Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Brad Cooper personally briefed Trump on military options for potential strikes against Iran.
The newspaper described the meeting as unusual, citing American officials who suggested that the commander’s direct presentation to the president could indicate that Washington is moving closer to launching large-scale military attacks.
The meeting was also attended by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine.
The involvement of these senior military and defence officials comes as Washington considers the possibility of renewed confrontation with Tehran.
However, the report did not establish that Trump has made a final decision to authorise military action.
Ten US Military Aircraft Arrive in Israel as Regional Airlift Expands
While Washington weighs its options, American military movements across the region are attracting growing attention.
Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, reported on Thursday evening that the United States had transferred 10 military cargo aircraft to the Ovda and Nevatim air bases in the Negev region of southern Israel.
According to the broadcaster, the aircraft departed from Fort Bliss, a US military installation in Texas.
The reported arrivals are part of a wider American military airlift involving bases in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.
Media reports indicate that additional US cargo aircraft have recently arrived at facilities across those countries, reportedly carrying military supplies and replenishing existing stockpiles.
The Israeli broadcaster also reported the transfer of a Patriot air defence system and expectations that an American aircraft carrier would arrive in November.
However, Washington has not officially confirmed the reported aircraft movements.
The contents of the shipments remain undisclosed, and it is unclear whether the deployments are directly connected to preparations for another military operation against Iran.
Despite these uncertainties, an Israeli official told Kan that Washington and Tel Aviv are maintaining close coordination.
The official said both sides are preparing for various possible developments while awaiting Trump’s decision on how to proceed with Tehran.
Washington Prepares for the Possibility of Iranian Retaliation
The reported military preparations are not limited to offensive capabilities.
According to media accounts, the US military has transferred a Patriot air defence system from Texas to strengthen its defensive capabilities in the Middle East.
The move reportedly reflects concerns that Iran could retaliate against American military facilities and personnel if Washington launches another attack.
Kan also reported that Washington had instructed some American troops stationed at regional military bases to leave temporarily.
The precautionary measure was reportedly intended to reduce their exposure to danger in the event of a military escalation.
Taken together, the reported reinforcements and precautionary withdrawals indicate that American military planning is addressing both the possibility of an attack against Iran and the potential consequences for US forces stationed throughout the region.
US Senator Calls Iran War Plans ‘Insane’
Not everyone in Washington supports the prospect of renewed military action.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy revealed that he and several other senators had received a briefing on the potential military plans.
Murphy described the proposals as “insane”, raising objections to the possibility of another American military campaign against Iran.
He warned that launching fresh attacks could trigger a much broader escalation, potentially drawing the United States into another dangerous confrontation.
The senator also argued that such action could undermine America’s commitment to the rule of law.
His criticism comes as the Trump administration considers its military options while American forces reportedly continue strengthening their regional positions.
Israel’s Concern: What if Trump Ends the War Too Soon?
Despite the extensive military preparations, Israeli security officials are reportedly worried about a different scenario: that Washington could attack Iran but conclude the confrontation before achieving Israel’s preferred outcome.
According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the Israeli military establishment fears that the United States may launch another rapid round of attacks against Iran next month, only to bring the campaign to an early conclusion through an agreement with Tehran.
Such an outcome could leave Israel’s objectives unfulfilled.
The newspaper reported that Israeli military officials do not believe a short campaign of airstrikes would be sufficient to overthrow the Iranian government or halt Tehran’s nuclear programme.
This assessment has exposed concerns within Israel’s security establishment about a possible divergence between the objectives of the Israeli political leadership and those of President Trump.
For Israel, another round of strikes that leaves Iran’s government and nuclear programme intact could fall short of what its political leadership hopes to achieve.
Washington, however, could choose to conclude a military campaign through an agreement even if those Israeli objectives remain unmet.
The distinction is becoming increasingly relevant as American military activity intensifies and Trump considers his next move.
The possibility of another war is therefore accompanied by a growing question within Israel’s military establishment: not simply whether Trump will attack Iran, but whether he will continue the campaign long enough to achieve the outcome Israeli leaders are seeking.
