Summary
The United States is increasing its military presence in the Middle East, focusing on Iran's nuclear program and missile stockpile. President Trump has given Iran 10 to 15 days to agree to a deal, or he warns of potential consequences. The deployment includes numerous aircraft and has caused a dispute with the UK over the use of the Diego Garcia military base.
Key Facts
- The US is sending a large number of military assets to the Middle East, including more than 120 aircraft.
- The USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier is joining the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Arabian Sea.
- Key aircraft include E-3 Sentry AWACS, F-35, and F-22 jets.
- This is the biggest increase of US airpower in the region since the Iraq war in 2003.
- Iran informed the UN that it will respond to any US aggression.
- The UK disagrees with the US over the use of the Diego Garcia base, as it is British territory leased to the US.
- President Trump warned the UK against transferring the Chagos Islands, which includes Diego Garcia, to Mauritius.
