In the US, the B-2 Spirit strategic bomber has been placed on high alert. Tanker aircraft capable of supporting a sustained air campaign are also being sent to forward positions, the New York Times reported.
The rapid buildup of US forces in the Middle East has reached the point where President Donald Trump is likely to take military action against Iran as early as this weekend, February 21 and 22, administration and Pentagon officials said.
The surge in U.S. military power includes dozens of refueling tankers sent to the area, more than 50 additional warplanes and two aircraft carrier strike groups supported by destroyers, cruisers and submarines, officials said.
This suggests there are many possible targets, including short- and medium-range missiles, missile depots, nuclear and other military facilities such as the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The final decision on the scale of the campaign largely rests with the President of the United States.
Trump has repeatedly demanded that Iran abandon its nuclear program, including agreeing to no longer enrich uranium. For its part, Tehran says it has no intention of building nuclear weapons.
