Two Aircraft Carriers, Dozens of Jets—US Raises Pressure on Iran
The United States has reportedly increased its military readiness in the Middle East, fueling speculation that a strike on Iran could reach the "ready to go" stage soon. Several media outlets have reported that the timeline being discussed includes the weekend, although the final decision remains with President Donald Trump.
According to reports citing briefings from defense officials, the reinforcement of air and naval assets—including additional fighter jets, support aircraft, and fleet elements—is projected to reach a level of readiness deemed adequate within days. The Telegraph also reported that the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to move into the region, complementing the existing force posture.
The prevailing picture suggests this posture will allow for intensive and sustained air operations, while also strengthening defenses against potential retaliatory attacks—including the deployment of missile defense systems in the region to protect US assets and those of its regional partners. However, several reports have emphasized that "military readiness" does not automatically mean an attack will occur.
On the policy front, Trump has reportedly been briefed on options—ranging from a limited strike on nuclear facilities to a broader scenario. However, mainstream US media outlets say no final agreement has been reached, and there are indications that a decision could be made within a specific timeframe, not simply "this weekend."
The Financial Times reported that Trump said he would decide in about 10 days whether the US would act militarily or push for a diplomatic agreement. This statement maintains high uncertainty, and global markets will be sensitive to any new headlines regarding the next steps.
Source: Newsmaker.id
