The United States has positioned two significant military assets near Iran as President Donald Trump escalates his rhetoric against the country. Iran has expressed a desire for peace talks with the US amid growing speculation that Trump may be contemplating military action. In a recent warning, Trump threatened to unleash more severe attacks than those carried out in June 2025 unless Iran agrees to terms he finds acceptable.

To bolster its surveillance capabilities, the US has deployed drones to monitor Iran’s defenses. One such drone, the US Navy MQ-4C, was observed flying over the Gulf near Iran’s coastline, originating from a base in Abu Dhabi and traversing the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, the US has dispatched an air force plane known as the “nuke sniffer,” the USAF WC-135R Constant Phoenix jet, to the UK for the third time in four decades.

The WC-135R, designed to detect radioactive particles in the atmosphere indicative of nuclear incidents, has a history of deployment following events like the Chernobyl disaster, Russian aggression, and North Korean nuclear tests. Its current presence in Europe suggests a potential imminent strike on Iran.

President Trump has also deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, prepared to launch military action against Iran if necessary. He has urged Iran to abandon its nuclear aspirations, citing concerns over the country’s enriched uranium stockpile. Trump emphasized the need for a swift resolution through negotiations to prevent a repeat of past military actions like “Operation Midnight Hammer,” which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.

In a recent statement on Truth Social, Trump reiterated his readiness to act swiftly if required, emphasizing the importance of a fair and equitable deal with Iran that excludes nuclear weapons. Notifying Congress of past strikes on Iran, Trump justified the actions as vital to US national interests and the defense of allies, such as Israel.