24/10/2026
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24/10/2026
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WASHINGTON, Oct 24: US naval forces in the Middle East are preparing for a possible resumption of military operations against Iran, with sailors loading munitions and readying aircraft aboard American warships, The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday.
The preparations include the USS George Washington aircraft carrier strike group, which is operating in the Arabian Sea. During a visit to the aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer, the newspaper observed flight operations and the replenishment of military supplies, including a significant delivery of long-range land-attack missiles and bunker-buster bombs designed to penetrate fortified ground targets.
According to US officials familiar with military planning, American forces are preparing for a possible escalation in the coming weeks if President Donald Trump decides to order another round of strikes against Iran. The preparations provide Washington with additional military options but do not confirm that a new attack has been authorised.
The military buildup comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Washington has continued to consider further action against Tehran, while regional mediators are seeking to revive negotiations and prevent a renewed escalation.
Trump has indicated that further military action remains possible if Iran fails to reach an agreement with the United States. The White House has also said that Washington would not attack Iran before the November 3 US midterm elections.
Meanwhile, Iran has warned that renewed US and Israeli attacks could trigger retaliation against American military bases and warships, as well as airports, pipelines and other economic infrastructure across the Gulf region. Tehran continues to possess missile and drone capabilities that could pose a threat to US forces and regional targets.
The latest preparations underscore the continued risk of renewed fighting even as diplomatic efforts continue. However, the reported movement of munitions and readiness of aircraft should not be interpreted as confirmation that a decision to launch fresh strikes has been made.
