President Donald Trump has been told by top national security officials that the US military is ready for a possible attack on Iran by Saturday, but no final decision has been made (by President Trump).
Sources told the BBC’s US partner CBS News that a final decision on the timing of a possible attack has not been decided and it could go beyond Saturday.
Officials also told CBS that President Trump has not yet made a final decision on an attack on Iran, while the White House is continuing to consult on the issue, where the risks associated with the move, the possible response and the political and military consequences of the attack are being considered.
The Pentagon is temporarily moving some personnel from the Middle East to Europe or the United States over the next three days to avoid possible Iranian retaliation if action is taken. According to sources, the move is part of routine preparations and does not mean that an attack is imminent.
A Pentagon spokesman declined to comment. However, White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said, “There are many justifications for attacking Iran, but the president’s first priority is always diplomacy.”
She declined to say whether the operation would be carried out in conjunction with Israel.
Levitt added that “in June, the United States conducted a successful operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.” He said, “Iran would be better off working with President Trump and his administration to negotiate and cooperate.”
According to sources, Iran was discussed in detail in the White House Situation Room on Wednesday. All US troops will be in place in the region by mid-March.
On the other hand, a senior White House official told the BBC that the United States is preparing to withdraw its troops from Syria in the next few months.
The official said the Syrian government has agreed to lead the fight against terrorism within its borders and that a large-scale US military presence is no longer needed there.
US troops have been in Syria since 2015 as part of a counter-terrorism campaign to counter the influence of the extremist group so-called Islamic State (IS).
The decision comes as tensions with Iran are rising and US President Donald Trump is increasing his military presence in the Middle East.
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