Tensions in the Middle East are heating up, and former President Donald Trump is right at the center of it. Trump recently sent a strong warning to Iran, telling its leaders not to push their luck any further with Israel.
He even claimed he knew exactly where Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was hiding—and that sparing him had been a choice.
Just hours after his statement, reports came in that the US was moving large amounts of military equipment and troops to the region. While no final decisions have been made about next steps, it’s clear the US is getting ready for anything.
The Department of Defense has already boosted its efforts to protect both Israel and American forces across the Middle East. Fighter jets and refueling planes have been placed in key locations across Europe, including in England, Spain, Germany, and Greece.
US military bases in the region are now on high alert, and fighter jets are actively patrolling the skies. Trump even posted online that America has “complete and total control of the skies over Iran.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hasn’t shared many details, but he did confirm that the buildup is focused on keeping American troops safe. So far, there have been no offensive strikes against Iran—only defensive moves to block incoming missiles aimed at Israel.
Also read: Will Iran's military capabilities against Israel last in long-drawn war?
At sea, the US Navy is also stepping up. USS The Sullivans has been in the eastern Mediterranean and helped shoot down Iranian missiles. USS Thomas Hudner has joined the mission, replacing USS Arleigh Burke.
Meanwhile, the USS Carl Vinson is stationed in the Arabian Sea along with four other warships, but it’s about to be swapped out for the USS Nimitz, which is on its way from the Indo-Pacific.
These ships, along with others in the Red Sea, are there mainly to protect US bases and the roughly 40,000 American troops currently stationed in the region. That number is higher than usual, and families of service members have been advised they can leave the area for their own safety—though not many have done so yet.
Now, the big question is whether Trump plans to go on the offensive.
