US Drafts Strike Plans, Multiple Departments Enter "Wartime" Readiness
According to multiple U.S. media outlets citing informed sources, Washington is intensively preparing for a potential military strike on Iran in the coming days. These preparations, involving defense, intelligence, and diplomatic federal agencies, indicate the Biden administration is seriously evaluating the possibility of a direct confrontation with Tehran.
Officials have noted that an attack could begin as early as this weekend, with relevant resources and military plans in the final stages. An unnamed official stated, "Multiple departments are on high alert, and some key leadership have already been briefed on combat directives."
Trump's Sudden Change: From Advocating Peace to Potential War in a Week
Notably, President Trump has recently frequently discussed the option of "taking action" against Iran in public settings. On Wednesday, he told reporters at the White House, "I know what to do, I just haven't told you yet." He also hinted at a preference to "make a final decision at the last moment."
This statement starkly contrasts with Trump's stance a week ago, where he expressed the use of diplomatic means to resolve the Iran nuclear issue. At that time, he still advocated for resuming negotiations to reach a nuclear disarmament agreement. This shift has garnered significant attention.
When pressed by the media about whether military action against Iran is imminent, Trump offered an ambiguous response: "I might, and I might not." Such a statement increases uncertainty and has kept the financial markets in tense anticipation.
Middle East Situation Rapidly Deteriorates as Iran and Israel Continuously Clash
This military preparation occurs against the background of the fierce clashes between Iran and Israel over the past week. Although the conflict has not directly affected U.S. military facilities or personnel, Tehran's sustained counterattacks on Israel have evidently crossed Washington's "red line."
The U.S. has repeatedly warned Iran not to escalate the war into a regional conflict. However, the recent tense situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the military deployment upgrades by Middle Eastern oil-producing countries have heightened concerns about escalating geopolitical risks.
A senior White House official said, "We are weighing all options, and no plan is ruled out." He added that the U.S. still hopes Iran will retract its nuclear expansion and military provocations at the last moment, or it "will face a swift and decisive response."
Market Watch: Gold Likely to Rise, Oil Prices to Fluctuate Wildly
Geopolitical tensions and potential military action have made global financial markets highly vigilant. Analysts suggest that if the U.S. uses military force against Iran, oil prices will inevitably fluctuate wildly. The Strait of Hormuz, critical to the global oil supply, is essential to energy market stability.
Gold, as a safe-haven asset, is likely to benefit, and investors may sell stocks and shift towards precious metals and dollar assets. U.S. Treasury securities may also see buying, with short-term yields decreasing.
Additionally, U.S. defense stocks have recently shown movement, reflecting the market's pre-pricing of potential military escalation.
Diplomatic Space Remains but is Rapidly Closing
Although strike plans are in the preparation stage, it is noted that Trump has not completely closed the door on negotiations. Several diplomats have indicated that war can still be avoided through regional intermediaries.
However, the time window is limited. If Iran does not release conciliatory signals within the next 48 hours, the U.S. may not delay action further.
