UK Military sources say US planning massive attack on Iran in near future

We're all well aware by now of the rumors surrounding possible White House plans to attack Iran, and we're also well aware that the White House continues to adamantly deny the accusations. However, the NewStatesman reports that the plans to attack Iran are already complete, and an attack could occur any day.

American military operations for a major conventional war with Iran could be implemented any day. They extend far beyond targeting suspect WMD facilities and will enable President Bush to destroy Iran's military, political and economic infrastructure overnight using conventional weapons.

British military sources told the New Statesman, on condition of anonymity, that "the US military switched its whole focus to Iran" as soon as Saddam Hussein was kicked out of Baghdad. It continued this strategy, even though it had American infantry bogged down in fighting the insurgency in Iraq.

The same article claims the operation would be called "Operation Iranian freedom" (hm, how original), and some Marines have been in training for the attack for upwards of four years.

In addition, U.S. "war ships" are already in place ahead of the possible attack on Iran, with more at the ready if needed:

Two carriers in the region, the USS John C Stennis and the USS Dwight D Eisenhower, could quickly be joined by three more now at sea: USS Ronald Reagan, USS Harry S Truman and USS Theodore Roosevelt, as well as by USS Nimitz. Each carrier force includes hundreds of cruise missiles...

Today, marines have the USS Boxer and USS Bataan carrier forces in the Gulf and probably also the USS Kearsarge and USS Bonhomme Richard. Three others, the USS Peleliu, USS Wasp and USS Iwo Jima, are ready to join them. Earlier this year, HQ staff to manage these forces were moved from Virginia to Bahrain.

The BBC reports that a list of "targets" has already been drawn up, along with a possible "backup plan." The article published earlier today also claims that there are two so called "triggers" that could set off "Operation Iranian Freedom."

BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner says the trigger for such an attack reportedly includes any confirmation that Iran was developing a nuclear weapon - which it denies.

Alternatively, our correspondent adds, a high-casualty attack on US forces in neighbouring Iraq could also trigger a bombing campaign if it were traced directly back to Tehran.

Iranian citizens are beginning to grow worried as well:

The BBC's Tehran correspondent Frances Harrison says the news that there are now two possible triggers for an attack is a concern to Iranians.

Authorities insist there is no cause for alarm but ordinary people are now becoming a little worried, she says.

Reports earlier this month revealed that Bush could be planning to attack Iran just before leaving office thus leaving the mess for his successor.

So what do you think, do you think the Bush administration really has plans drawn up, and is on the brink of launching a war with Iran?

[Hat tip "spread the word IRAQ NAM" over at Daily Kos!]