《The New York Times》: US Prepares for Potential Military Strike Against Iran, Citing Intel

May 18 — U.S. President Donald Trump once again warned Iran on Tuesday that “the clock is ticking,” urging the country to swiftly accept the nuclear deal terms proposed by Washington or face the risk of a new round of war, according to a Tuesday report in *The New York Times*. The outlet noted that negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have stalled for several weeks. Tehran has rejected demands from the Trump administration to impose strict limits on its uranium enrichment program and lift the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz; Iran, in turn, submitted a new counterproposal to the U.S. on Monday via Pakistan, officials added. Meanwhile, two unnamed Middle Eastern officials disclosed that the U.S. and Israel are conducting the largest military buildup since the last ceasefire, with fears growing that military strikes against Iran could resume as early as this week. The Pentagon is preparing to restart planning for “Operation Epic Fury,” a military action that was previously put on hold, these officials said. Possible options for U.S. and Israeli action include airstrikes and deploying special operations forces to seize Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, per the report. But analysts cautioned that airstrikes alone would not compel Iran to bow to U.S. demands, and any ground operations would likely amplify anti-war pressure across the U.S. domestic landscape.