US builds Middle East forces as fresh strikes on Iran loom
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.
In short
- 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.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of a possible strike could argue that a credible military threat may deter Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon and give diplomacy leverage, while protecting US allies and regional security. If intelligence or negotiations suggest Iran is nearing a dangerous threshold, they may see a limited campaign against nuclear facilities as a way to reduce that risk.
The case against
Opponents could argue that Iran’s possession of no nuclear weapons, as cited in earlier US intelligence assessments, weakens the case for renewed attacks and that military action could cause civilian harm, wider conflict and retaliation against US forces and allies. They may favour sustained diplomacy and verification, warning that strikes could undermine negotiations or encourage Iran to pursue a weapon more urgently.
Explained simply
Iran’s nuclear programme has been a long-running source of tension with the United States and other countries. Iran says its programme is for peaceful purposes, while the US says it must not lead to Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The main players are US President Donald Trump, Iran’s government and Gulf states that host or support US forces. The United States has previously used military force against Iranian sites, while diplomacy has also been pursued to limit Iran’s nuclear activities.
The issue matters because renewed fighting could affect civilians and draw neighbouring countries into a wider conflict. It could also disrupt shipping and energy supplies from the Gulf, a key route for global trade.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “How Trump can smash Iran after the mid-terms – from missile strikes to bombing nuclear facilities as the US gathers 20,000 sailors and marines in the region”.