A surge in the U.S. military presence in the region, including the deployment of a second aircraft carrier, is the clearest sign yet that President Trump may be preparing to strike Iran.
In a major display of firepower, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest warship, has been sent to the region. The carrier is expected to be on station south of Cyprus within the next few days, according to defense sources.
The naval build-up also includes additional destroyers in the area. One has been sent to the Northern Arabian Sea, and another is en route, bringing the total number of U.S. destroyers in the wider region to 13, a Navy official said.
Air assets are also being concentrated at strategic bases. Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in eastern Jordan has emerged as a central node for the buildup, receiving at least two waves of attack aircraft between mid-January and mid-February, bringing the total number stationed there to nearly 30.
U.S. media reports that Trump has discussed attack options with advisers, and that a U.S. strike could take place as early as Saturday, the BBC says.
