Report: US Plans New Military Strikes on Iran Amid Ongoing Diplomacy
Sources tell CBS the Trump administration is preparing fresh military strikes against Iran even as indirect talks and ceasefire efforts continue; no final decision on strikes reached yet.
What happened
Lebanese news outlet Naharnet reports, citing multiple sources with direct knowledge, that the Trump administration is preparing for a new wave of military strikes against Iran, according to US broadcaster CBS. This planning is ongoing despite continued diplomatic engagement and a temporary ceasefire that started in early April between the US and Iran.
The central claim remains unconfirmed in the supplied material and should be treated as hearsay until corroborated by another reliable source or a named official. No final decision to launch strikes has been made as of Friday afternoon Washington time. Meanwhile, US military and intelligence officials have begun recalling personnel and adjusting troop rotations in the Middle East, signaling caution amid fears of possible Iranian retaliation. President Trump himself canceled Memorial Day weekend plans to remain at the White House as preparations proceed.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps cautioned that any new strikes by the US or Israel could escalate the conflict beyond the Middle East, threatening "crushing blows" in unexpected locations. Tehran is reportedly reviewing a recent US proposal for ending hostilities, described by sources as a "final offer," but has not yet responded. This response is expected to come via Pakistan, which has been an intermediary in indirect communications.
Known from the source
- Trump administration is preparing plans for new military strikes on Iran.
- No final decision on strikes had been made by Friday afternoon Washington time.
- US military and intelligence officials have updated recall rosters and adjusted troop deployments in the Middle East.
- A temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran has been in place since early April.
- Iran is reviewing a US proposal for ending the war and a response is expected via Pakistan.
What remains unclear
US officials stress that diplomacy remains preferred, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing progress in talks and mentioning a contingency plan involving NATO and military measures targeting the Strait of Hormuz should negotiations fail. However, internal US political efforts to limit the president's authority for military action against Iran have not advanced.
What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Whether a final decision to strike Iran has been made since the source material’s Friday afternoon update. Details and authenticity of the US proposal to Iran and Iran’s official response. Current status and scope of US troop movements and preparations in the Middle East.
Evidence note
This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.
Original source: Naharnet Lebanon. Open the source.
Outside Brief note: this story keeps the main source visible and separates what is reported from what remains unclear.