US Iran tensions could escalate further as President Donald Trump considers expanding military operations against Tehran, according to senior US officials who say the Pentagon is preparing for several possible scenarios.

Officials told Fox News that Trump is expected to decide in the coming days whether to broaden the current US military campaign against Iran. They stressed that the White House has not reached a final decision, but military planners are preparing for the possibility of a larger operation.

Officials said any expanded offensive would be significantly more extensive than the nine consecutive nights of US airstrikes that began on 7 July.

The current campaign has mainly targeted Iranian military assets linked to operations around the Strait of Hormuz.

One senior US official said American forces have largely avoided strikes near Tehran and Iran’s nuclear facilities during the current phase of the conflict. However, the official said that strategy could change if Trump authorises a return to full-scale military operations.

According to Fox News, Washington has deliberately avoided targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure so far, although officials acknowledged that the policy could shift if the conflict intensifies.

Additional military assets deployed

Fox News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin reported that US Central Command (CENTCOM) is preparing for a possible expansion of military operations.

If Trump approves a broader campaign, CENTCOM plans to reinforce its regional presence by deploying additional F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, along with KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft.

A US official also confirmed that additional American military aircraft are already moving into the Middle East as part of contingency planning while military leaders await the president’s decision.

Israel could take part

US officials also said Israel could join military operations if Washington launches a significantly larger campaign against Iran.

They added that any future offensive would be far larger than the current wave of airstrikes, although no decision has been finalised.

Separately, CENTCOM announced on X that it had completed another phase of military operations inside Iran.

The command said US forces targeted Iranian military command centres, naval assets, missile launch sites, drone facilities and air defence systems.

According to CENTCOM, the latest strikes aim to reduce Iran’s ability to launch attacks against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Focus on commercial shipping

CENTCOM said commercial vessels continue to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict.

The command stated that its forces have helped around 900 commercial vessels safely transit the strategic waterway since the beginning of May.

According to CENTCOM, those operations have supported the transport of nearly 450 million barrels of crude oil, highlighting the strait’s importance to global energy supplies.

CENTCOM also said US forces remain prepared to respond if Iran carries out further attacks on civilian ships or sailors operating in the region.

The possibility of a broader US military campaign comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise. With additional American forces moving into the Middle East and officials considering further military action, the coming days could prove critical for regional security.