The Wall Street Journal reported that in recent days the US has sent a significant number of fighter jets and support aircraft to the Middle East, bringing its aerial presence in the region to its largest scale since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
According to the report, Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether to launch an attack on Iran, and if so, whether the goal would be to halt the Islamic Republic's nuclear program, damage its ballistic missile array or even attempt to destabilize the regime in Tehran.
Among the aircraft deployed to the region are advanced F-35 and F-22 fighter jets, alongside command-and-control planes and electronic warfare aircraft. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is already operating in the theater, while a second carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is en route with its strike group. Advanced air defense systems have also been positioned.
US officials said that unlike the targeted June strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities, the current force posture would enable Washington to conduct a prolonged aerial campaign lasting weeks and possibly months.
At the same time as the military buildup, diplomatic contacts are continuing. US and Iranian representatives met this week in Geneva to discuss uranium enrichment. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said there had been "some progress," but acknowledged that significant gaps remain between the sides. Iran is expected to submit a more detailed proposal in the coming weeks, the report said.
Trump has received several briefings on military options, including a broad campaign aimed at striking Iran's political and military leadership, or alternatively a more focused attack on nuclear facilities and ballistic missile sites. Both options could unfold over an extended period.
The president has signaled that he would prefer a diplomatic deal that would bring Iran's nuclear program to an end. However, officials within the administration and among US allies, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are pressing to intensify military pressure on Tehran, particularly to stop its production of ballistic missiles.
The US military is seen as holding a significant advantage due to its stealth capabilities and precision strike capacity, especially after Iran's air defense systems were damaged in Israeli strikes last year. Still, Iran retains a substantial missile arsenal and could threaten US bases and allied targets, as well as attempt to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the report, the administration has not yet formulated a clear assessment of a post-strike scenario, including the question of who might succeed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei if the regime were destabilized.
American and foreign officials cited in the report expressed doubt that Iran would fully comply with US demands. Trump has repeatedly warned that if negotiations fail, the US will act militarily. "I don't think they want to bear the consequences of not reaching a deal," he said this week.
Meanwhile, US Senator Lindsey Graham, who visited the United Arab Emirates this week, told Sky News Arabia that "a decision has been made" in Washington regarding Iran.
"All these ships didn't come here just because of the nice weather this time of year," Graham said.
