Bible Prophecy, Signs of the Times and Gog and Magog Updates with Articles in the News
US military cautions Trump on readiness as he weighs strike options against Iran
U.S. defense officials have cautioned President Donald Trump that American forces are not yet positioned for immediate action against Iran, even as the administration weighs military options in response to the country’s expanding unrest, the Telegraph reports.
Commanders stationed in the Middle East advised the White House that units must first reinforce key sites and tighten defensive preparations before any strike that could trigger Iranian retaliation.
Their warnings followed briefings describing potential targets linked to Tehran’s security forces, which have led the violent suppression of nationwide demonstrations.
The debate over timing has unfolded as protests against the Islamic Republic’s leadership intensify.
Security forces have opened fire on crowds in multiple cities, prompting renewed attention in Washington and discussions about possible U.S. involvement.
Trump has voiced readiness to intervene if the crackdown escalates further, writing on social media that “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
Trump received preliminary options that included hitting security figures responsible for crushing dissent or striking selected sites in Tehran that are viewed as central to the regime’s enforcement apparatus.
White House officials were also told that regional commanders fear quick retaliation, including the use of ballistic missiles or attacks by Iranian proxy groups.
According to the Wall Street Journal, senior administration officials plan to brief Trump again on Tuesday about a wider menu of responses, ranging from cyberattacks on Iranian government systems to additional sanctions or support for anti-government channels online.
The White House has not commented on those reports.
Some lawmakers urged restraint, warning that a military strike could unintentionally strengthen the regime. Sen. Rand Paul said on ABC that he was unsure “that bombing Iran will have the effect that is intended.” Sen. Mark Warner told Fox News that such action risked uniting Iranians “in a way that the regime has not been able to,” pointing to past U.S. involvement in Iran’s internal politics.
Iranian officials have said U.S. bases would be targeted if Washington launches an attack. But Sen. Lindsey Graham argued that Trump “needs to embolden the protesters and scare the hell out of the [Iranian] regime” as demonstrations continue to challenge the leadership.
Magog / Iran Threatens Israel With Direct Strikes if U.S. Steps In; Jerusalem Raises Alert Level
Iran’s parliament speaker warned that if the U.S. intervenes militarily amid the unrest inside Iran, Tehran would retaliate by striking Israel and U.S. bases across the region, calling them “legitimate targets.”
Israeli officials say Israel has moved to a higher state of alert, focused on the risk of an Iranian missile-and-drone response or proxy escalation if Washington steps in.
Israel has not indicated it plans to intervene inside Iran, but is preparing for spillover.
Tensions are spiking after President Donald Trump signaled the U.S. is “ready to help,” and after recent Israel-Iran hostilities underscored how quickly a limited clash can expand across the region.
Inside Iran, the regime is pushing a familiar line, blaming the U.S. and Israel for the turmoil while tightening repression and trumpeting new “spy” arrests. Israel’s message is deterrence: protect civilians, stay ready, and make Tehran pay dearly for any strike attempt.
‘Large-scale’ US strikes hit ISIS targets in Syria
American forces launched “large-scale” strikes at “multiple” ISIS targets in Syria at about 12:30 p.m. Washington time on Saturday, U.S. Central Command said.
The attacks were part of “Operation Hawkeye Strike,” which U.S. President Donald Trump announced in response to a Dec. 13 ambush, in which ISIS killed two American soldiers and a U.S. interpreter in Palmyra, Syria.
“The strikes today targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region,” CENTCOM stated.
“U.S. and coalition forces remain resolute in pursuing terrorists who seek to harm the United States.”
“Our message remains strong,” it added. “If you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice.”