U.S. Military Action Against Iran Could Begin Within 24 Hours, European Officials Say

WASHINGTON / BRUSSELS / TEHRAN : U.S. military action against Iran is now viewed as almost inevitable and could begin within the next 24 hours, according to two European officials cited by Reuters.

The assessment signals a sharp escalation in U.S.–Iran tensions, with diplomatic efforts giving way to military preparations. While the White House and Pentagon have issued no formal announcement, officials familiar with the situation say planning has reached an advanced stage.

The crisis is being driven by Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests, which have spread across major cities. Western officials and human rights groups say security forces have used lethal force, mass arrests, and communications shutdowns to suppress unrest, intensifying pressure on Washington after months of sanctions and diplomatic warnings failed to change Tehran’s course.

Senior officials in the United States administration have adopted harsher rhetoric, voicing support for protesters and condemning Iran’s leadership. Officials briefed on internal discussions say military options under review include limited air and missile strikes focused on security and command infrastructure linked to the crackdown.

At the same time, U.S. forces in the Middle East have moved to a higher state of readiness, with reports of personnel repositioning and tightened embassy security amid concerns of retaliatory attacks.

Iranian officials have warned that any U.S. strike would be met with a direct response. Diplomatic sources say Tehran has cautioned neighboring countries hosting U.S. troops that they could be targeted if their territory is used in an attack. State media in Iran has portrayed the unrest as foreign-backed and vowed to defend the country against external aggression.

European governments are urging restraint, warning that even limited military action could trigger a wider regional conflict. Emergency consultations are under way as allies prepare for the possibility that hostilities could begin with little warning.

As of late Wednesday, no public decision had been announced. However, the convergence of intelligence assessments, military movements, and diplomatic warnings has created a critical moment, with officials cautioning that events could move rapidly toward open confrontation.