The military deployment of USA nearly Iran has reached a magnitude not seen in decades in the Middle East: nuclear aircraft carrier hundreds of combat aircraft, guided missile destroyers and thousands of soldiers strategically positioned they configure a strike force ready to act within hours, waiting only for a political decision in Washington.

In the air, the component is equally robust: more than 400 aircraft—including stealth fighters, electronic reconnaissance aircraft, maritime patrols and refueling tankers— They allow continuous operations and simultaneous attacks from different fronts. This air power is complemented by reinforced military bases and some 15,000 troops deployed in strategic points in the Persian Gulf, the eastern Mediterranean and areas near key maritime routes.

CNN reported that at least 18 F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters are now stationed at the Muwaffaq Salti air base in northern Jordan.

He also cited satellite images showing the arrival of several E/A-18 Growlers to the base, aircraft that are capable of waging electronic warfare campaigns against enemy air defenses and communications infrastructures.

While at the Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia, CNN confirmed the arrival of additional US military aircraft, including several E-3 Sentry which are essential for warning US commanders of the arrival of enemy forces or missiles and facilitating communications on the battlefield.

According to data from FlightRadar24, The United States constantly monitors the Strait of Hormuz with P-8 Poseidon aircraft and MQ-4 Triton drones which have their in United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and other places in the region.

As to Iran CNN reported that is strengthening several of its nuclear facilities, using concrete and large amounts of earth to bury key sites.

At this point, it should be noted that on Wednesday night the American press reported that Pentagon military strategists already have attack plans against Iran readyand that they are only waiting for the order of Trump to take action. However, the president said Thursday that he was giving the Islamic Republic 10 days to negotiate an end to its nuclear program.

On Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqhchi declared that There are “good possibilities” to resolve the differences between your country and the United States over the nuclear program through diplomatic channels. He added that he hopes for a new round of talks on Thursday in Geneva.

Pressure first and attack later if the negotiation fails

The specialist in defense and intelligence issues Andrés Gómez de la Torre maintains that the current US military movement responds to a clear strategic logic: “first deterrence, then coercion and, if negotiation fails, punitive actions.”

As explained to The CommerceWashington is applying a doctrine of “graduality and ultimatum by phases”, in which the visible display of force seeks to pressure Tehran before resorting to a direct attack.

He states that this approach coincides with the historical strategy attributed to the president Trump of keeping “all options on the table”, that is, combining diplomatic, military and psychological pressure to force concessions. In that line, The president has indicated that he is considering even a limited attack if a nuclear agreement is not reached.

Gómez de la Torre emphasizes that “The military muscle deployed is not symbolic. The United States currently concentrates two aircraft carriers and a large escort fleet in the region, part of the largest deployment since the Iraq war.”

In the air component, he says that the presence of stealth fighters and attack squadrons indicates preparation for real operations and that it is not just a show of force.