President Donald Trump warned last month that the United States would strike Iran if Tehran refused a deal to halt its nuclear program, but senior officials said the Pentagon was not yet able to back such a move.
Readiness gaps and a growing “armada”
U.S. Forces across the Middle East number between 30,000 and 40,000 troops and operate from eight permanent bases, yet they have limited air‑defense capability against likely Iranian retaliation.
Additional combat aircraft needed for a sweeping strike are stationed in Europe and the United States, and much of the equipment amassed during two decades of war – including that used in last year’s campaign against Yemeni Houthi forces – has already been withdrawn from the region.
High‑level national‑security officials have urged Trump to pause while the Pentagon rebuilds both offensive and defensive capacity in the 11 nations that could face Iranian reprisals.
“The president has all the options on the table regarding Iran,” White House press secretary Anna Kelly said, adding that Trump ultimately decides based on what he believes is best for national security.
In the meantime, the Pentagon is completing an “armada” that now includes eight guided‑missile destroyers capable of intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles, land‑based missile‑defense systems, and submarines equipped to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles at Iranian targets.
Diplomacy and military posturing
During the past three weeks, diplomats from Israel, Arab states, Iran and the United States have opened talks while the military prepares for possible conflict. Officials describe the effort as “putting the house in order.”
Iranian drones have been tracking the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, prompting the U.S. Navy to shoot down one on 3 February. The carrier, supported by three Tomahawk‑armed warships, now operates among a dozen ships in the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and the eastern Mediterranean.
F‑35 stealth fighters and F/A‑18 attack aircraft from the carrier are within striking range of Iranian sites, and more than a dozen F‑15E strike planes have been sent to the region.
General Joseph Votel emphasized that “defensively, we have to make sure, before we do anything, that our defenses are in order” to prepare for an inevitable Iranian response.
Another carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, is slated to leave the Caribbean—where it helped capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro—and head to the Middle East as part of Trump’s pressure campaign.
Long‑range bombers such as the B‑2 remain on heightened alert, and the Pentagon raised its overall alert level nearly a month ago after Trump sought options to respond to violent Iranian crackdowns on protests.
Analysts note that increased aerial refueling, reconnaissance flights and the presence of EA‑18 Growler electronic‑attack aircraft signal a possible escalation. The Navy is similarly considering moving a ballistic‑missile submarine from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea or Arabian Sea, though such a move would be visible when the vessel surfaces to transit the Suez Canal.
Patriot and THAAD air‑defense systems are being deployed to protect U.S. Personnel from short‑ and medium‑range Iranian missiles.
Retired four‑star Marine General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. Warned that Iran takes any U.S. Reinforcement seriously because of Trump’s past actions, including the June bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites and the January 2020 killing of General Qasem Soleimani.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did President Trump threaten to attack Iran?
Trump said the United States would strike Iran if Tehran refused a deal to stop its nuclear program, positioning the threat as a response to Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions.
What is the current state of U.S. Military readiness in the region?
U.S. Forces in the Middle East number 30,000‑40,000 troops across eight bases, but they lack sufficient air‑defense coverage. Additional combat aircraft needed for a large‑scale strike are based in Europe and the United States, and much of the equipment previously deployed has been withdrawn.
What steps is the Pentagon taking while diplomatic talks continue?
The Pentagon is completing an “armada” that includes eight guided‑missile destroyers, land‑based missile‑defense systems and Tomahawk‑armed submarines. It is also moving air‑defense assets such as Patriot and THAAD systems to bases in Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, and increasing the presence of carriers, strike aircraft and long‑range bombers.
How might the situation evolve if diplomatic efforts stall?
