Axios: Pentagon orders preparations for possible resumption of military operations against Iran

Axios reported, citing US officials, that the US Department of Defense (the Pentagon) issued instructions to US Central Command several days ago to complete preparations for a possible resumption of major military operations against Iran.

The available report did not specify a possible timeline for carrying out any military operation, or the direct reasons that prompted the Pentagon to issue these instructions at this time. It also remained unclear whether these preparations come in response to specific developments on the ground or diplomatically with Iran.

Neither the US Department of Defense nor the Iranian side issued any immediate public comment on what Axios published, according to the available information. It was also unclear what scale of forces or military assets these preparations might involve.

These developments come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran in recent years, which have seen repeated periods of escalation and de-escalation over Iran's nuclear program and its regional influence.

The available report did not make clear the possible international reactions to these developments, or whether other countries in the region have been informed of these preparations.