# US builds Middle East forces as fresh strikes on Iran loom

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/how-trump-can-smash-iran-after-the-mid-terms-from-missile-strikes-to-bombing-nuclear-facilities-as-the-us-gathers-20000-sailors-and-marines-in-the-region/
- Published: 2026-11-01T12:17:18+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-01T12:32:47+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16241753/donald-trump-iran-war-resume-midterms.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Americas, Middle East, World

## Key points

- US forces in the Middle East are expected to exceed 20,000 sailors and marines.
- Trump has raised the prospect of renewed strikes or a deal with Iran.
- Pickaxe Mountain is among the possible targets discussed.

## Summary

The United States is building up its military presence in the Middle East, prompting concern that President Donald Trump may order fresh strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections. Trump has recently said a decision is approaching between renewed attacks and a deal, while insisting that Iran must be prevented from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Two aircraft carriers and 17 warships are already in the region, and a third carrier group, led by the USS Theodore Roosevelt, is expected to arrive within days. The forces would bring the number of US sailors and marines above 20,000 and provide about 150 warplanes. Gulf allies have reportedly been asked to prepare for a short, intense campaign; one possible target is the underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility, which the US struck in 2025. US intelligence assessments cited in the article have previously concluded Iran had no nuclear weapons.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.