What we know about the massive US military buildup in the Middle East

US tightens noose around Iran with largest air buildup since 2003

President Donald Trump has yet to decide whether to order a strike on Iran and what its objective would be, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. American officials said that unlike the limited strike carried out in June against three Iranian nuclear sites, the current deployment would allow the US to wage a sustained air campaign lasting weeks or even months.

Report: '90% chance' of US kinetic action on Iran

Report: '90% chance' of US kinetic action on Iran

Axios reported, citing sources close to President Donald Trump, that a potential US strike on Iran would not be short and focused like the operation in Venezuela, but would instead last at least several weeks. More than 150 US military cargo aircraft have landed in the Middle East over the past day.

Partial breakthrough in US-Iran talks, core gaps remain

Partial breakthrough in US-Iran talks, core gaps remain

A Western diplomat described the talks as “one step forward and two hiding behind,” with Tehran showing willingness to compromise on the nuclear issue and proposed regional economic initiatives. However, it is rejecting international inspections and deep disputes with Washington remain. 

The real US-Iran talks are still ahead, that should worry Israel

Iranian FM: We reached agreement on principles, will draft deal

The second round of talks between the US and Iran ended in Geneva after about five hours, Araghchi said: “The discussions were more serious, but no date was set for the next round." According to The Wall Street Journal, Iran proposed not resuming enrichment and transferring part of its enriched uranium to another country, but refused to give up enrichment entirely.

Iran closes Strait of Hormuz in drill; Russia, China to join
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Iran closes Strait of Hormuz in drill; Russia, China to join

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz for several hours as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile fire as part of a large-scale naval drill, while Russia and China announced they would join joint exercises in what appeared to be a show of force against the US presence in the Persian Gulf.

Erdogan sparks alarm in UAE with statement on Emir's health

Erdogan sparks alarm in UAE with statement on Emir's health

A statement from the office of the Turkish president claimed that a meeting with the Emirati president was canceled due to his health condition. The statement was later deleted, but Abu Dhabi quickly moved to quash the rumor mill, issuing a series of announcements from the president.