US fleets move toward Middle East as 'Israel' braces for potential strike on Iran
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- US deploys aircraft carriers and other military assets to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran.
- 'Israel' prepares for possible US strike on Iran in the coming weeks; Tehran warns of broad retaliation.
Two US officials confirmed Thursday that a group of aircraft carriers and other military assets will arrive in the Middle East in the coming days. The move comes amid heightened 'Israeli' alert over a potential US strike against Iran within weeks, according to 'Israel' newspaper 'Israel' Hayom.
US President Donald Trump said a "large force" is heading toward Iran and that he is closely monitoring the situation. Speaking last Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump reiterated his warning to Iran, expressing hope that no further military action will be necessary, but stressing that the US will act if Tehran resumes its nuclear program. He added in an interview with CNBC that “Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon.”
US naval buildup
US warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, several destroyers, and fighter jets, began moving from Asia and the Pacific last week as tensions rose following recent protests in Iran. Trump later shifted focus toward geopolitical issues including Greenland.
Read more: At least 5,000 people have been killed during Iran's protests, official says
Reuters cited a US official saying additional air defense systems are also being considered for deployment to the region. Experts note that US troop increases in the Middle East often occur during periods of regional tension and may be defensive in nature. However, last summer the US amassed forces before launching strikes in June 2025 against Iranian targets, later boasting of its ability to keep attack plans secret.
'Israel' prepares for potential US strike
Israel Hayom reports that 'Israeli' security agencies are preparing for a possible US military strike on Iran, expecting a strong response from Tehran targeting 'Israel'. Estimates suggest such an attack could occur within weeks, with full US military buildup expected next week. 'Israel' believes Trump, if he decides to strike, may act shortly after forces are fully in position.
Officials also warn that Iran may launch a preemptive strike, believing a surprise attack gives it a strategic advantage. Another scenario considered by 'Israeli' officials is that Trump could use military threats to secure a new nuclear deal with Iran, avoiding an actual attack.
Delays and caution
Trump previously postponed a strike, citing Iran’s halt of 800 planned executions, though 'Israeli' officials suggest this was only a pretext. 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly urged Trump to delay, arguing 'Israel' was not fully prepared and a limited strike could backfire, causing regional chaos without decisive results.
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Trump is said to have agreed on continuing force buildup and planning for a series of strikes that could achieve meaningful results.
Tehran warns of retaliation
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned last Wednesday that Iran “will respond with everything we have if attacked again,” in an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal. He stressed that any full-scale confrontation would be intense, prolonged, and affect civilians across the region and the world.
Trump previously stated that he instructed US forces with orders “to wipe Iran off the face of the Earth” if Tehran attempted to carry out threats against him, warning that the US would respond against all of Iran if provoked.
