U.S. Builds Largest Air Power in Mideast Since 2003

The United States has dramatically expanded its military footprint across the Middle East, positioning cutting-edge aircraft and naval assets in what officials describe as the most substantial buildup since the Iraq War began in 2003.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Washington has sent additional F-35 and F-22 fighter jets to the region, alongside command-and-control aircraft essential for coordinating large-scale air operations. A second aircraft carrier strike group is also en route, reinforcing an already formidable naval presence.

Military Options on the Table

President Trump has received multiple briefings outlining potential strike scenarios against Iran. U.S. officials cited by the Journal say the options range from targeted attacks on nuclear and ballistic missile facilities to a prolonged, weeks-long air campaign. Some scenarios reportedly include efforts aimed at severely weakening—or even destabilizing—the Iranian leadership.

The scale of the buildup would allow for sustained operations rather than a limited strike, expanding Washington’s flexibility should diplomacy collapse.

Diplomacy Continues, but Gaps Remain

While military preparations intensify, U.S. and Iranian representatives met in Geneva this week to discuss Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged incremental progress but stressed that substantial differences remain.

Trump has signaled a preference for a diplomatic resolution that would end Iran’s nuclear program and curb its regional influence. However, U.S. and foreign officials told the Journal that prospects for a comprehensive agreement remain uncertain.

Strategic Assets in Position

The U.S. Air Force has reinforced key bases in Jordan and Saudi Arabia with additional fighter aircraft and surveillance platforms. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy has deployed multiple destroyers capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, alongside the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford.

Long-range B-2 stealth bombers remain available for missions launched directly from the United States or from Diego Garcia, the joint U.S.-U.K. base in the Indian Ocean—a location Trump publicly mentioned as a potential launch point if talks fail.

Regional Risks

Despite America’s technological advantage, Iran retains significant retaliatory capabilities, including a sizable missile arsenal and the ability to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies.

Former military officials quoted by the Journal argue that the dramatic show of force may be designed to strengthen Washington’s negotiating leverage rather than signal imminent war. Yet others warn that prolonged talks could test Trump’s patience, increasing the likelihood of military action.

The coming weeks will determine whether the unprecedented buildup translates into diplomacy—or escalates into the region’s most significant conflict in decades.