President Donald Trump stands closer than ever to a full scale clash with Iran as talks in Geneva appear to be failing and military forces pile up in the region. Sources say the United States is preparing options that could extend for weeks and strike at the heart of Iran’s power.
Officials and independent trackers report a heavy U S naval presence near Iran. The buildup now includes two aircraft carriers and a fleet of warships that can support sustained strikes. The carriers and strike groups give the White House far more options than a single targeted hit.
At the same time, analysts counted many cargo missions into the region. Open flight data and U S officials say more than 150 military cargo flights have moved weapons systems and ammunition to bases in the Middle East in a short time. That kind of logistics flow points to planning for more than a one day operation.
Military trackers also recorded a rapid movement of fighters. A US official told reporters that more than 50 fighter jets moved toward the region in the past 24 hours. The jets include F 35s, F 22s and F 16s, along with tanker aircraft to refuel them. Those numbers are being used to measure how ready the force is to act.
Diplomacy kept going even as the tools of war moved into place. A small US team led by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff flew to meet Iranian officials. The talks lasted hours but did not break the deadlock. US sources say Iran refused to stop work on parts of its nuclear program, and negotiations stalled.
The president has kept up the pressure. He told reporters the other side must move quickly to reach a deal and to “quickly make a deal” on its nuclear program or face harsher steps from the United States. That line has raised alarm among allies who fear a wider war rather than a short strike.
Iran answered with its own show of force. State media said the country closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz for drills for a few hours, citing “safety and maritime concerns”. The move was a clear signal that any major strike could disrupt global trade. The strait handles roughly one fifth of the world oil trade.
Inside the West Wing, advisers argue over risks and timing. Some back a limited strike. Others say only a larger campaign will stop Iran from moving toward a bomb. One US official warned the plans could grow into more than a single strike and could aim at core regime targets. The choice now is not between action and inaction but between short pain and long war.
The prospect of war has political cost at home. Republicans preparing for the midterm elections worry a large foreign fight could upend their plans and reshape the last months of this presidency. Voters will notice higher gas bills and shipping delays. That makes the gamble risky even for a president who likes to call his own shots.
For now the White House has offered only guarded remarks. News teams have asked for comment and officials are not yet offering details. One senior adviser was quoted saying, “The boss is getting fed up,” and another added, “Some people around him warn him against going to war with Iran, but I think there is 90% chance we see kinetic action in the next few weeks.” The clock is short and the hardware keeps moving.
Featured image via The Daily Glitch library
