The United States has reportedly placed its military forces on heightened alert amid escalating tensions with Iran. While President Donald Trump has not taken a final decision on a possible strike, operational planning is said to be underway as Washington reinforces its presence in the Middle East.
The US currently maintains a substantial naval and air presence in the region. This includes 13 warships, among them the aircraft carrierUSS Abraham Lincoln, supported by destroyers and littoral combat ships. Another carrier,USS Gerald R. Ford, is reportedly heading toward the area with additional escort vessels.
The Pentagon has also deployed advanced fighter aircraft such as F-22 Raptors, F-15s and F-16s. Aerial refuelling tankers like KC-135 aircraft, along with surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, have been positioned to support sustained operations if required.
The central issue remains Iran’s nuclear programme. The US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in 2018 during Trump’s first term.
Recent diplomatic talks in Geneva aimed at reviving or restructuring a nuclear agreement have yielded limited progress. Although officials have reported marginal advancements, key disagreements reportedly persist. President Trump has previously warned that failure to reach a new agreement could lead to serious consequences.
Israel has consistently opposed Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv has reportedly intensified. Broader considerations — including regional security, energy market stability and Iran’s domestic political climate — may also influence US decision-making.
Despite visible military preparations, no official confirmation of a strike has been announced. Sources indicate that the US administration continues to evaluate diplomatic engagement alongside the potential risks of escalation.