The United States has positioned its largest military forces near Iran since the 2003 Iraq invasion, with President Donald Trump yet to decide on authorizing an attack or the specific objectives for the troops if engaged. In recent days, the US has deployed its most advanced fighter jets, the F-35 and F-22, towards the Middle East and is sending another aircraft carrier loaded with strike and electronic warfare jets into the region. Critical battle management aircraft necessary for conducting large air attacks have already arrived, alongside air defense systems that have been placed in recent weeks, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

According to US officials, this military presence gives the US the potential to conduct a prolonged air war against Iran, contrasting with a previous single attack that took place in June against three Iranian nuclear targets, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer. The buildup of forces signifies a significant escalation in military readiness and a shift in US strategy in the volatile region, emphasizing the importance of air operations.

As tensions rise, the potential implications of this military buildup could lead to heightened conflicts in the Middle East. Analysts speculate that this might either pressure Iran to reconsider its regional activities or could inadvertently escalate into broader military confrontations, depending on how both the US and Iranian leadership respond to the evolving situation.