, Feb. 14 -- The United States military is preparing for the possibility of weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders military action, according to two US officials, raising concerns of a more serious conflict between the longtime rivals.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said planning is underway for a sustained campaign that could target Iranian state and security facilities beyond nuclear infrastructure. Such operations would carry greater risks for US forces and could trigger wider instability across the Middle East, reports Reuters.

Diplomatic efforts are continuing alongside the military preparations. US and Iranian diplomats held talks in Oman last week aimed at reviving negotiations ove...