Washington (TDI): Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the US military has begun repositioning aircraft and naval vessels stationed in the region.
The decision to shift these assets comes as the situation surrounding Iran grows increasingly uncertain. President Donald Trump has kept observers in suspense over whether the United States will back Israel’s ongoing strikes on Iranian missile and nuclear facilities, prompting civilians to flee Tehran.
According to media reports, US officials are actively preparing for a potential strike on Iran in the near future, possibly as soon as the weekend. However, the reports emphasized that plans remain fluid and could change depending on developments.
Speaking briefly to reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, President Trump declined to confirm any decision, saying only, “I may do it. I may not do it. Nobody knows what I’m going to do.”
In a related move, the US Embassy in Qatar has issued a security alert for its personnel, restricting access to Al-Udeid Air Base, a major US military hub in the region. The advisory urges heightened awareness amid the intensifying regional hostilities.
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The officials confirmed that aircraft stationed in open areas at Al-Udeid had been moved, and naval vessels had left their berths in Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, Reuters reported.
While they declined to provide numbers or specific destinations, one official stressed the measures are standard in such volatile environments.
Earlier this week, the US military activity was increased which included the movement of tanker aircraft to Europe and an uptick in fighter jet deployments to the Middle East. An aircraft carrier from the Indo-Pacific is also reportedly en route to the region.
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The Israeli air campaign began last Friday, with officials stating that Iran was nearing the capability to produce a nuclear weapon, a claim Tehran firmly denies.
Meanwhile, Iran has issued a clear warning to Washington. In remarks delivered in Geneva, the Iranian envoy to the United Nations cautioned that Tehran would respond decisively if the United States chooses to join Israel’s military efforts directly.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
