U.S. aircraft aboard aircraft carrier. An F/A-18F Super Hornet on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), March 18, 2025. Lt. Cmdr. Josie Lenny Public Affairs Officer, USS Carl Vinson, via DVIDS
The United States is deploying more forces to the Middle East after President Donald Trumpthreatened to bomb Iran if it does not reach a new deal on its nuclear program.
Newsweek contacted Iran's foreign ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
The announcement by the U.S. Department of Defense that it is deploying additional forces in the Middle East is an indication both of the growing tensions and the possibility of preparations for a potential strike against Iran's nuclear program.
While Trump has said that he would prefer negotiations, Iran has ruled out direct talks while it is under his "maximum pressure" campaign. The military buildup could be in part posturing, but could also be preparations for a strike.
Meanwhile, it also supports continued U.S. air strikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have not stopped their own attacks despite more than two weeks of assaults by U.S. forces.
What To Know
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell announced that the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group would be joined in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility by the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group on the orders of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
"To complement the CENTCOM maritime posture, the Secretary also ordered the deployment of additional squadrons and other air assets that will further reinforce our defensive air-support capabilities," he said.
"Should Iran or its proxies threaten American personnel and interests in the region, the United States will take decisive action to defend our people."
Tensions between the United States and Iran have risen since Trump exited the 2015 international nuclear agreement, intensifying a longstanding standoff. His renewed military threats and the reinstatement of "maximum pressure" sanctions have prompted stronger rhetoric from Tehran.
While the U.S. has said it seeks to forge a new deal, Iran has resisted direct negotiations, saying it will not talk under Trump's pressure, though it remains open to indirect talks.
U.S. ally Israel has also said it cannot accept Iran getting nuclear weapons – something it says it is not pursuing – and has also said military action against Iran is possible.
A high-ranking Iranian military official has cautioned that U.S. forces in the Middle East will be met with retaliation if the United States initiates military action against Iran. Russia has also said that an attack on Iran would have "catastrophic" consequences, "especially if the nuclear infrastructure is hit."
What People Are Saying
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell: "The United States and its partners remain committed to regional security in the CENTCOM AOR and are prepared to respond to any state or non-state actor seeking to broaden or escalate conflict in the region."
Head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Unit Amir Ali Hajizadeh: "The Americans have around ten military bases in the region-at least near Iran-and 50,000 troops. It's like they're sitting in a glass house. And when you're in a glass house, you don't throw stones at others."
Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft: "Unless realistic bargaining positions are adopted by both sides and a discarding of maximalist approaches, this escalatory rhetoric may trap them both in a war that neither side wants."
What Happens Next
The regional military escalation is likely to continue and while diplomacy has not been ruled out as a way to resolve the standoff over Iran's nuclear program, the chances of a strike against Iran are increasing.
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This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 4:45 AM.