The United States is rapidly building up its military forces in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. President Donald Trump has given Iran a short deadline—10 to 15 days at most—to reach a deal on its nuclear program and ballistic missile stockpile, warning that failure to agree could lead to “bad things” happening, including possible military action.
This escalation follows a previous 12-day conflict in 2025 between Iran and Israel, during which the US conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in an operation called Midnight Hammer. Now, experts say the current US deployments look similar to preparations for another potential attack.
Massive Air Power Surge In recent days, the US has moved more than 120 aircraft to the region—the largest increase in American airpower in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq War. These include advanced fighters like F-35 stealth strike jets and F-22 air superiority fighters, plus F-15s, F-16s, and E-3 Sentry AWACS planes for command and control. Flight-tracking data shows these aircraft leaving bases in the US and Europe, supported by refueling tankers and cargo planes, indicating long-term planning rather than short rotations.
Earlier deployments included F-15E Strike Eagles, which the US Central Command described as boosting combat readiness and regional stability. Analysts warn to watch for movements of B-2 stealth bombers, which could signal a repeat of last year’s strikes.
Naval Forces on the Move The US Navy is positioning major warships close to Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is already operating in the Arabian Sea off Oman, putting it within striking range of Iranian targets. The world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is being redeployed from the Caribbean through the Atlantic—its location was recently tracked off Morocco—and is expected to join the Lincoln group soon. This would give the US two carrier strike groups in the area.
Supporting these carriers are guided-missile destroyers equipped with air defense systems, ballistic missile interceptors, and Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of hitting deep inside Iran.
Dispute Over Diego Garcia Base Attention has turned to Diego Garcia, a remote joint US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean’s Chagos Islands. The base has historically supported major US air operations and could host long-range bombers like the B-2. However, it is British territory, so the UK must approve offensive use.
Reports indicate UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told the US it cannot use Diego Garcia or other British bases, like RAF Fairford in the UK, for strikes on Iran, citing concerns over international law. In response, Trump criticized the UK’s plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and posted on social media urging against giving away Diego Garcia, saying it might be needed to counter Iran.
Iran’s Response and Defenses Iran has warned it does not want war but will respond “decisively and proportionately” to any US aggression, holding the US responsible for any escalation. Tehran recently began joint naval drills with Russia in the Sea of Oman and northern Indian Ocean to boost cooperation and show deterrence. These included live-fire exercises that temporarily closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz and prompted rocket launch notices.
Satellite images show Iran fortifying sites: adding concrete shields and soil cover at military facilities, burying tunnel entrances at nuclear locations damaged in past strikes, and repairing missile bases. Experts say Iran has moved critical assets underground and built layered defenses with mines, missiles, submarines, and drones to slow any US advance.
Analysts note Iran might try to avoid full war but could respond unpredictably—perhaps by targeting tankers, oil facilities, or US ships—potentially dragging the conflict into a prolonged fight.
Expert Views on Likelihood of Attack Military experts describe the buildup as exactly what the US would do before striking. Retired Marine Colonel Mark Cancian said the US has moved aircraft, two carriers, and support assets into place. Barbara Slavin from the Stimson Center suggested the Trump administration appears set to attack again, possibly with Israel, though objectives remain unclear.
Unlike the quick 2025 Venezuela operation (which involved special forces and led to Maduro’s capture), Iran’s inland geography and strong defenses make a ground raid unlikely. Any action would probably involve long-range missiles and air strikes on Revolutionary Guard forces or nuclear sites, though Tomahawks mainly damage above-ground targets.
With Secretary of State Marco Rubio planning a trip to Israel soon and ongoing indirect talks, the situation remains tense. The coming days could determine whether diplomacy succeeds or the region heads toward another conflict.
