US has plans for major Iran strikes if Trump chooses to act

Iran is poised to host significant regional security discussions today, October 26, 2026, with high-ranking officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey arriving in Tehran. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin are expected to meet with Iranian counterparts to address regional coordination and security. This meeting is part of an effort to advance "endogenous security in West Asia" through cooperation among regional countries, aiming to confront threats without foreign intervention. The planned talks mark the first high-level contact between Iran and all members of this three-nation bloc, also referred to as the "Mecca Pact" countries, especially as Saudi Arabia faces escalating attacks from Iran-aligned Houthis.

These regional diplomatic efforts unfold amid reports that the United States has prepared plans for potentially extensive military strikes against Iran. US forces in the Middle East are reportedly ready to launch major operations within 96 hours if ordered by President Donald Trump, with sufficient forces already deployed in the region. Such strikes, which could target Iranian energy infrastructure, military sites, and nuclear facilities, are reportedly being considered for after the upcoming US midterm elections in November.

While US officials are developing a broad target list and President Trump has indicated he is weighing major action, some caution that he has previously pulled back from similar plans. US intelligence suggests Iran and Houthi rebels are taking the possibility of renewed attacks seriously and would likely retaliate if targeted. In response to these tensions, the US State Department has reportedly been discreetly relocating personnel from various embassies across the Middle East.