US Bolsters Military Presence in Middle East Amidst Iran Deal Uncertainty; Potential for Military Action Looms

Amidst uncertainty surrounding a potential US-Iran deal, the United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East. Six B-2 bombers, capable of carrying heavy bombs and nuclear weapons, were moved to the Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean earlier this month. A second aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group, has also been deployed to the region. Furthermore, the US provided Israel with an additional Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, a system designed to intercept ballistic missiles. This move is largely interpreted as a measure to defend against potential Iranian missile attacks. Analysts suggest that a military strike on Iran could be executed by either the United States or Israel, potentially in a combined operation. A recent analysis indicates that Hezbollah's weakened state reduces Iran's deterrent capabilities against such an action.