An escalating Iran strike scenario is taking shape as the United States moves major military assets toward the Middle East while President Trump weighs possible action against Tehran. Military sources confirmed to Fox News that at least one U.S. aircraft carrier is being repositioned to the region as tensions continue to rise.
Possible strike preparations include shifting naval power, air assets, and missile defense systems to provide President Trump with a range of military options. Officials said it remains unclear which carrier is en route, though possibilities include the USS Abraham Lincoln or one of two carriers that recently departed Norfolk and San Diego. Transit is expected to take at least a week.
Sources described the buildup as a deliberate process of “setting the force,” signaling readiness rather than immediate action. One well-placed source told Fox News that if the president authorizes military operations, “This will be different, more offensive.” The source said U.S. planners are developing options based on how Iran’s leadership responds in the coming days.
U.S. officials confirmed approximately 30,000 American troops are currently assigned to the U.S. Central Command region. At present, no U.S. aircraft carriers or carrier strike groups are operating within CENTCOM’s area of responsibility. Naval forces already in the region include three destroyers and three Littoral Combat Ships.
Elsewhere, three U.S. aircraft carriers remain deployed outside the Middle East: the USS George Washington in Japan, the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Indo-Pacific, and the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Southern Command area. Two additional carriers remain stateside and are not actively deployed.
Missile defense systems are also expected to move into the region to strengthen protection for U.S. bases and Israel, according to sources, as the administration signals it is prepared for decisive action if deterrence fails.
