On Nov. 6 two U.S. officials said some advisers have told President Trump the
window to restart large-scale military action against Iran is narrowing and
urged action before the new Democratic-controlled Congress is sworn in next
January, implying a decision in coming weeks. Officials said the U.S. currently
has more than 50,000 troops, 20+ ships and 200+ aircraft deployed to the Middle
East; sustaining such a large posture is degrading readiness and is a reason the
operational window is limited. Trump's national security team briefed him on
Nov. 5 on a plan to resume large-scale operations; he has not decided. A White
House official said Trump "can take any option at any time" and only he knows
when he will decide.
