The United States is rapidly building up military forces near Iran, reportedly in preparation for potential strikes within days, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.

Axar.az informs, citing The Independent, that reports indicate President Donald Trump may authorize action as soon as Saturday, citing Iran’s crackdown on protesters and its nuclear program.

Trump warned that if Iran does not agree to a deal, it may be “necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous regime.”

The deployment includes major naval assets, with the USS Abraham Lincoln stationed in the Arabian Sea and the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest warship, passing through the Strait of Gibraltar and potentially heading south of Cyprus. These carriers are supported by eleven destroyers, three Littoral Combat Ships, and two to three attack submarines, including at least one nuclear-capable vessel armed with Tomahawk missiles.

Air power is also being reinforced, with more than 50 fighter jets, including F-35s, F-22s, F-16s, and F-15s, deployed across regional bases. Tanker aircraft are positioned to support long-range operations, and U.S. forces in Jordan and potentially the UK at RAF Fairford could be used for strikes. Around 10,000 U.S. troops remain on the ground in the region, ready to support operations if necessary.

Iranian leadership has responded with strong warnings. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said:

“An aircraft carrier is a dangerous device, but more dangerous than the carrier is the weapon that can send it to the bottom of the sea.”

The U.S. is also preparing to defend its forces against potential Iranian retaliation, repositioning air defense assets and logistics aircraft across the region. Senior national security officials noted that full deployment of all forces is expected by mid-March, though some elements could be operational sooner.