By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali WASHINGTON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - The U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack,

President Trump on Friday said he is hopeful U.S. negotiations with Iran on its nuclear program will be successful, but he warned that if they fail, it would be a “bad day” for Tehran. As the U.S. builds up its defense forces in the Middle East,

This was a very rapid 48-hour massacre,” the head of an advocacy group tracking the victims of government violence said.

But using the same strategy the White House directed at Venezuela is seen as likely to spark retaliation by Tehran and a surge in oil prices.

Iran rejects U.S. demands to negotiate ballistic missile program as tensions escalate across Middle East despite ongoing diplomatic talks in Oman.

The Middle East is entering a volatile phase as military signaling, diplomacy, and energy security collide. Reports suggest increasing cargo flights between China and Iran, raising questions about possible weapons cooperation.