But Donald Trump is reportedly undecided on the drastic move.
The US military is prepared to strike Iran as early as this weekend, though President Donald Trump has yet to make a final decision on whether he'll authorise such actions, sources familiar with the matter tell CNN.
The White House has been briefed that the military could be ready for an attack by the weekend, after a significant buildup in recent days of air and naval assets in the Middle East, the sources said.
But one source cautioned that Trump has privately argued both for and against military action and polled advisers and allies on what the best course of action is. It was not clear if he would make a decision by the weekend.
READ MORE: Mark Zuckerberg quizzed on children's Instagram use in social media trial
"He is spending a lot of time thinking about this," one source said.
The US's readiness to strike by the weekend was first reported by CBS News.
Iranian and US negotiators passed notes for three-and-a-half hours earlier this week during indirect talks in Geneva, though they departed with no clear resolution. Iran's top negotiator said both sides had agreed upon a "set of guiding principles," though an American official said "there are still a lot of details to discuss."
READ MORE: Billionaire says he was duped by 'world-class con man' Jeffrey Epstein
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said today that Iran was expected to provide more details on its negotiating position "in the next couple of weeks," but she wouldn't say whether Trump would hold off on military action within that timespan.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to travel to Israel on February 28 to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and update him on the Iran talks, a State Department official told CNN.
"I'm not going to set deadlines on behalf of the president of the United States," Leavitt said.
READ MORE: Trump warns UK against giving away key military base
She added that while "diplomacy is always his first option," military action remains on the table.
"There's many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran," she said, adding Trump was relying on counsel from his national security team "first and foremost."
The opaque statements have fueled increasing fears of military conflict between the two nations – even as officials ostensibly hold out hope for diplomacy.
READ MORE: Israel raises alert level ahead of potential joint US-Israel attack on Iran, sources say
The USS Gerald Ford – the most advanced carrier group in the US arsenal – could arrive in the region as soon as this weekend, after a flurry of other military buildup.
US Air Force assets based in the UK, including refuelling tankers and fighter jets, are being repositioned closer to the Middle East, according to sources familiar with the movements.
For its part, Iran is fortifying several of its nuclear facilities, using concrete and large amounts of soil to bury key sites amid US military pressure, according to new satellite imagery and analysis from the Institute for Science and International Security.
A number of calendar events could play a role in the timing of an attack. The Winter Olympics – traditionally a moment of global unity – conclude on Sunday; some European officials said they believed no strike would occur before then.
Meanwhile, Ramadan began Wednesday; some officials from US allies in the Middle East – which have lobbied against an attack, fearing regional destabilisation – said an attack during the Muslim holy month would convey American disrespect.
And Trump is delivering his annual State of the Union address on Tuesday; aides have said it was likely to act as a kickoff for Trump's mid-term year message on domestic issues. It wasn't clear whether the president was taking any of those events into account as he weighs his options.
Trump, in his statements on Iran over the past weeks, has done little to gain buy-in from the American public or Congress for a large military operation in the country. He has hinted at a desire for regime change, and insisted Iran not obtain a nuclear weapon, but has not said what precisely his objectives would be in ordering an attack.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
- Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
- Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
- Sign up to our breaking newsletter here
Tragic twist after Sydney chef dies in Bali
Telstra records billion dollar profit, reveals it shed 2356 jobs in 2025
Phillip Island community 'in mourning' after MotoGP moves to Adelaide
Man charged with terrorism offence after traffic stop leads to raid on Sydney home
'Ego-driven' changes in Australian politics stuns closest ally
Aussie bar being investigated under new hate laws over 'parody' posters
Robots perform backflips and advanced martial arts in stunning show
Roommates Max and Laurie have 54 years between them. They're part of a growing trend
'I'd ask that you retract that': Jacinta Allan's angry clash with reporter
Business busted for making false claims about Bondi terror attack
Council apologises after drivers overpay on hundreds of parking fines
'As good as it gets': Bank's bleak warning to every Australian
Perth council offers $50 reward in new bin sorting crackdown
The super mistake which could cost young Aussies $128,000
'ISIS bride' banned from returning, minister confirms passports
Surprise benefit households get from stronger Aussie dollar
Nurse assaulted in alleged racist attack at Geelong gym
Sydney was the hottest place in Australia before a sudden downpour
