The US military is prepared to strike Iran as early as this weekend; however, President Donald Trump is yet to take a final decision whether he’ll authorise such actions, sources familiar with the matter informed CNN.

According to reports, the White House has been briefed that the military could be ready for an attack by the weekend. The development is coming after a significant military build-up was witnessed in recent days of air and naval assets in the Middle East.

While it is being reported that the US is preparing to strike Iran as early as this weekend, CNN reported that one source has cautioned that Trump has privately argued both for and against the military action. Additionally, he has also polled the advisers and allies on what the best course of action can be taken.

“He is spending a lot of time thinking about this," the source said.

On Wednesday, it was reported that the United States and Israel could be on the brink of a major military operation against Iran that might begin “very soon". Sources, cited byAxios, said the plan would be far larger in scope than last year’s 12‑day conflict and could last for weeks if it goes ahead.

Trump has repeatedly emphasised the importance of confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. In recent days, discussions with allies and advisers have underscored the potential for a military option if negotiations fail to achieve meaningful concessions from Tehran.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday said 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.

“I’m not going to set deadlines on behalf of the president of the United States," Leavitt said, adding that diplomacy is always the President’s first option as military action remains on the table.

“There are 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."

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.

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