US military intervention in Iran could come in next 24 hours, say European officials
The United States has forces across the region, including the forward headquarters of its Central Command at Al Udeid in Qatar and the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
A member of the Iranian community holds a banner outside the U.S. embassy in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Amid reports of the US withdrawing some of its personnel from key bases in the Middle East, European officials believe that a military intervention in Iran is imminent. Two European officials told Reuters that US military intervention appeared likely, with one saying it could come in the next 24 hours.
An Israeli official also told Reuters that it appeared Trump had taken a decision to intervene, though the scope and timing had yet to be made clear.
Protesters participate in a demonstration supporting protesters in Iran, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 in Zuerich, Switzerland.(Michael Buholzer /Keystone via AP)
Pentagon presents options to Trump
The New York Times also reported that the Pentagon has presented a wide range of options to President Trump for targets in Iran, including Iran’s nuclear programme and ballistic missile sites.
The report added that other options, such as a cyberattack or a strike against Iran’s domestic security apparatus, were more likely.
The NYT report, which cited US officials, however, said that an attack is at least several days away, and could prompt a vigorous retaliation from Iran.
Story continues below this ad
NBC News had also reported that the US is holding off on military intervention in Iran on the suggestion of Israel and Arab countries, who feel that the regime hasn’t been weakened enough yet.
Women cross a street under a huge banner showing hands firmly holding Iranian flags as a sign of patriotism, as one of them flashes the victory sign, in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
A European official who spoke to Reuters also said that despite unprecedented protests, it did not appear that the Iranian government faced imminent collapse, and its security apparatus was still in control.
Iran has remained defiant in the face of increasing US threats and has warned Washington’s regional allies of repercussions if the strike happens.
The senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Tehran had asked US allies in the region to prevent Washington from attacking Iran. “Tehran has told regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to Turkey, that U.S. bases in those countries will be attacked” if the US targets Iran, the official said. Direct contacts between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had been suspended, the official added. The United States has forces across the region, including the forward headquarters of its Central Command at Al Udeid in Qatar and the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
Share
A member of the Iranian community holds a banner outside the U.S. embassy in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) 
