U.S. and Iranian diplomats met in Oman last week in a renewed attempt to revive stalled nuclear diplomacy, even as President Donald Trump ordered a major buildup of American military forces in the region a move that has heightened fears of a potential new confrontation.
On Friday, U.S. officials confirmed that the Pentagon is deploying an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East, along with thousands of troops, fighter jets, guided‑missile destroyers and other assets capable of launching or repelling large‑scale attacks. The escalation follows months of rising tension after Trump concentrated military power near Iran.
Speaking to U.S. service members in North Carolina, Trump said negotiations with Tehran had been “difficult,” adding that “sometimes you have to have fear” to force progress. Asked about preparations for what could become a sustained military operation, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the president “has all options on the table” and makes decisions based on national security interests. The Pentagon declined to comment.
The United States deployed two aircraft carriers to the region last year when it carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. June’s “Midnight Hammer” operation a long‑range mission involving stealth bombers flying directly from the U.S. targeted key nuclear sites. Iran responded with a limited retaliatory strike on a U.S. base in Qatar, but the exchange did not escalate further.
The quiet diplomatic meeting in Oman suggests both sides are still searching for a path back to negotiations, even as military posturing intensifies on both ends.
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