According to sources, in recent days, the negotiation process between the US and Iran has significantly deteriorated. This is linked to the increase of the American military contingent in the Middle East and ongoing serious disagreements on key issues such as uranium enrichment, sanctions, and missile programs.

However, a final decision regarding a potential military strike from the Donald Trump administration has not yet been announced.

Increase of US Military Presence in the Region

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has been operating in the CENTCOM area of responsibility in the Arabian Sea for quite some time. The carrier group includes aircraft from CVW-9: F-35C, F/A-18E/F, EA-18G, E-2D, CMV-22B, MH-60R/S. The escort consists of the destroyers Frank E. Petersen Jr., Michael Murphy, and Spruance, as well as a nuclear submarine.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Group has also entered the Mediterranean Sea, passing through Gibraltar on February 20, and is now heading to the eastern part of the region. The primary mission of the group appears to be to support Israel in its conflict with Iran. Accompanying the aircraft carrier are the destroyer Mahan and several other destroyers.

According to data from Air & Space Forces Magazine, there has been a significant redeployment of military equipment in recent days: additional F-22 fighters have arrived in the region, along with several squadrons of F-35, F-15E Strike Eagle, and F-16. Aircraft E-3 Sentry AWACS, E-11 BACN (airborne communication relay), RC-135 Rivet Joint (for electronic reconnaissance), and P-8 Poseidon (for maritime reconnaissance) are also being sent to Europe and the region. Last week, over ten American aircraft for refueling arrived in Europe.

Six E-3C Sentry AWACS long-range radar detection and control aircraft have been deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia in recent days.

The number of American aircraft stationed at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan has increased approximately threefold compared to normal levels. In the past week, at least 68 American transport aircraft have landed at the base, which also hosts fifth-generation F-35 fighters, drones, and helicopters.

Additionally, missile defense systems are being strengthened with the transfer of Patriot and THAAD systems.

Military analysts are closely monitoring the movements of American forces in the region.