US military ready for potential strikes on Iran as soon as Saturday: Officials

ISTANBUL

The US military stands prepared to carry out potential strikes on Iran as early as Saturday, senior national security officials have informed President Donald Trump, according to a report Wednesday.

The officials, who spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity, said Trump has not yet reached a final decision on whether to authorize such action.

The sources added that the timeline for any potential operation is expected to extend beyond the weekend.

The talks are said to be continuing as the White House weighs the likelihood of escalation along with the broader political and military implications of refraining from action.

Meanwhile, several officials said the Pentagon is shifting some personnel out of the Middle East to Europe or the US in the coming days as a precaution amid the prospect of US military action and potential Iranian reprisals.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in around two weeks for further talks, according to one of the sources.