Donald Trump-Khamenei Image: AP/Freepik
The US has significantly increased its military presence near Iran, leading to speculation that Washington is preparing options for a possible attack, while officials insist that no final decision has been taken yet.
According to analysts tracking military activities, more than 110 C-17 transport aircraft have either arrived in the area or are en route in recent days. At the same time, the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group was operating in the Arabian Sea.
Speculation intensifies regarding Washington’s intentions
The fleet is led by USS Abraham Lincoln, one of the US Navy’s 10 nuclear-powered Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, considered the largest class of warships in the world.
Analysts say the pace and scale of this deployment indicates preparation for a variety of contingencies rather than routine force movement. Senior US envoys and top military commanders have also visited forward-deployed forces, raising speculation about Washington’s intentions as tensions with Tehran run high.
‘Military formations do not scare us’: Iran’s foreign minister
President Donald Trump has threatened to attack Iran, demanding that it give up uranium enrichment, halt ballistic missile development, and stop supporting armed groups across the region. Washington views uranium enrichment as a possible path to nuclear weapons, although Iran has long denied any intention to weaponize its nuclear program.
Although both sides have signaled readiness to resume diplomacy over Iran’s long-running nuclear dispute with the West, Tehran has made it clear that talks cannot extend beyond the nuclear issue. However, amid the gathering, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made it clear that “their military buildup in the region will not intimidate us.”
He told the National Conference on Foreign Policy, “Why have we always insisted on enrichment and why have we continued to do so, even if war has been imposed on us? Because no one is allowed to tell us what we should have and what we should not have.”
His comments came just after talks with the US on its nuclear program and nationwide protests. Iranian officials have also refused to put its missile program, home to one of the largest weapons arsenals in the Middle East, on the negotiating table and have insisted on recognizing Iran’s right to enrich uranium.
Netanyahu to meet Trump to discuss Iran
Iranian and US officials recently held indirect nuclear talks in Muscat, with both sides indicating that more talks could happen soon. The talks took place amid rising regional tensions and increased military activity. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet President Trump in Washington on Wednesday. Netanyahu’s office said the talks would include talks with Iran, reflecting close US-Israel coordination on the issue.
As military deployments continue alongside cautious diplomatic talks, analysts say the coming days will be crucial in deciding whether the standoff moves back toward talks or toward a major confrontation in the already volatile region.
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