US preparing for potential Iran strike by as soon as this weekend- Bloomberg

Investing.com-- Senior U.S. officials are preparing for the possibility of a strike against Iran by as soon as this weekend, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, although the situation still remains unclear. 

Senior American officials are preparing for a potential attack in the coming days, with the weekend being considered as a possible window to strike, the Bloomberg report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Top leaders at several federal agencies were also seen preparing for a potential attack, the report said. 

A direct U.S. strike on Iran could mark a major escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict, with Tehran having warned of dire consequences if this were to be the case.

Strikes between Iran and Israel continued into a seventh day on Thursday, with the Middle Eastern conflict showing few signs of deescalation.

The U.S.’ stance on direct involvement in the conflict has also remained largely unclear, especially amid President Donald Trump’s varying comments on the conflict. 

Trump put up a hardline stance against Iran this week, calling for Tehran’s immediate surrender. But he did not specify whether Washington would directly enter the war, and had still touted nuclear talks with Tehran. 

The U.S. was seen mobilizing more military resources to the Middle East, spurring increased speculation over its involvement in the renewed conflict. Washington was also seen preparing for any Iranian strikes against U.S. military bases in the Middle East. 

Iran and Israel entered a renewed, full-blown conflict last week after Israel launched a series of strikes against the Islamic republic on Friday. Iran retaliated with advanced missile strikes against several major Israeli targets, which were also seen partially breaking through Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system.