Pentagon prepares for Israeli-US war on Iran that could last ‘until September’
The Pentagon is accelerating intelligence efforts as Washington readies itself for an extended conflict against Iran, with military planning now extending into the autumn months. This move comes amid reports that the US Central Command has requested additional intelligence officers from the Pentagon to bolster operations at its headquarters in Tampa, Florida.
A Politico report revealed that the reinforcements would support the campaign against Iran for at least 100 days, potentially stretching into September. The request marks the first known initiative under the Trump administration to increase intelligence personnel for the ongoing war, signaling a shift toward a more prolonged campaign than initially disclosed.
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump suggested the military campaign might span four to five weeks, but he cautioned it could extend beyond that timeframe. The rapid deployment of personnel and resources highlights how unprepared Washington was for the scale of the conflict it initiated in conjunction with Israel, as reported by Politico.
According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, the attacks have resulted in at least 700 deaths and numerous injuries, with over 165 children among the casualties from a double-tap strike on an elementary school. The US Central Command reported Monday that six military personnel were killed in Kuwait as a result of an Iranian strike.
Prior reporting from Politico on February 25 revealed that senior Trump advisers advocated for Israel to launch the initial strike against Iran before the US followed suit, which ultimately happened, pulling Washington into the conflict. The war has now become a pivotal issue in Trump’s presidency, deepening rifts within his political base, where many supporters oppose further Middle Eastern engagements on Israel’s behalf.
“We knew there would be an Israeli action. We knew it would lead to an attack on American forces, and we knew if we didn’t act before they launched their strikes, the casualties would be higher.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the necessity of US involvement, stating that Israel’s actions compelled Washington’s response. The conflict now threatens to dominate Trump’s administration, with Rubio’s remarks underscoring the refusal to restrain Israel despite its role in escalating the regional war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated the second Israeli-US war with Iran in less than a year, declaring, “The attacks on Iran are being executed with the assistance of the United States, my friend, US President Donald Trump, and the US military.” He also framed the conflict as the realization of a decades-long strategic goal, stating, “This coalition of forces allows us to do what I have yearned to do for 40 years. … This is what I promised—and this is what we shall do.”
