The US is awaiting the arrival of an aircraft carrier group before a possible strike on Iran — WP
The US has increased its military forces in the region, but a final decision on military operations has not yet been officially confirmed.
The United States has intensified preparations for a potential military strike against Iran and is awaiting the arrival of additional military forces to the region before a final decision is made. This was reported by The Washington Post, citing current and former U.S. officials.
According to sources, Washington has increased its military capabilities in the Middle East in recent weeks and is simultaneously awaiting the arrival of a strike group led by the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. These warships have been redirected to the region from the Caribbean Sea and are noted to be approaching the Strait of Gibraltar. This means that if a necessary decision is made, military operations could commence within a short period.
Earlier, the Axios publication also reported that a second aircraft carrier had been sent near Iranian shores. According to the report, the USS Abraham Lincoln is already stationed in the region, and it may take several weeks for the additional strike group to arrive.
According to the publication's information, U.S. officials have informed presidential advisors in closed meetings that American troops could be fully deployed to the Middle East by mid-March. At the same time, it remains unclear whether U.S. President Donald Trump has formally approved the military operation.
Furthermore, some sources noted that international factors could also influence the timing of a potential military decision. In particular, the conclusion of the Winter Olympics held in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, was mentioned among the discussed factors.
The publication writes that if the Pentagon makes a final decision to strike, some U.S. troops could be redeployed from certain bases in the Middle East. CBS News sources indicated that some preparatory processes have already begun.
Initially, it was stated that the goal of increasing U.S. military forces was to pressure Tehran into making concessions in nuclear negotiations. However, according to diplomatic sources, following the recent Geneva talks, Iran has signaled that it is not prepared to retreat from its key positions, including on the issue of uranium enrichment rights.
In turn, President Donald Trump stated on February 19 that significant events regarding the situation with Iran could occur within the next ten days and did not rule out the possibility of "serious consequences" if an agreement is not reached.
