Mumbai, February 9: Tensions in the Middle East reached a critical threshold recently, as the Trump administration continued the largest buildup of American military assets in the region since the strikes of June 2025. With the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group now positioned in the Arabian Sea, international observers are questioning whether Washington is preparing for a direct strike on Iran or executing a "maximum pressure" tactic to force a new nuclear deal.

While President Donald Trump has signalled that "help is on the way" for Iranian protesters, Tehran has responded with a mixture of defiant military manoeuvres and rare diplomatic overtures. Donald Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening Up to 25% Tariffs on Countries Doing Business With Iran.

The Military Buildup in Iran: 'Operation Midnight Hammer' Precedents

The current deployment, which began in late January, includes a "massive armada" of naval vessels, stealth bombers, and advanced missile defense systems. According to the Pentagon, the objectives are multi-fold:

  • Deterrence: Preventing further crackdowns on anti-government protesters within Iran.

  • Protection: Securing commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz following recent attempts by the IRGC to seize a US tanker.

  • Readiness: Signalling that the US is prepared for "contingency operations" if Iran restarts its nuclear enrichment at suspected underground sites.

The buildup follows the memory of the June 2025 "Operation Midnight Hammer," a 12-day conflict where US and Israeli forces struck Iranian facilities. Current movements suggest Washington is preparing for a similar—or larger—engagement if negotiations fail.

Masoud Pezeshkian’s Diplomatic Counter-Move

In a significant post on X (formerly Twitter) this morning, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attempted to pivot the narrative toward diplomacy while maintaining a firm stance against military coercion.

Iran President's Post on X

Pezeshkian’s tweet follows his recent order to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to pursue "fair and equitable" negotiations in Oman. However, the President’s conciliatory tone contrasts sharply with Iran’s military wing. On February 5, the IRGC deployed long-range Khorramshahr-4 missiles and shifted its doctrine to an "offensive" posture, warning that any US strike would spark a "regional war".

Why the Trump Administration is Increasing Pressure

The administration's strategy appears rooted in a "business-first" transactional approach to foreign policy. Analysts suggest Trump is using the "fear factor" of the approaching fleet to extract three major concessions:

  • Nuclear Zero: A commitment to zero uranium enrichment for a specified period.

  • Missile Restrictions: Curbing Iran's ballistic missile program.

  • Regional Proxies: Ending support for groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised that while President Trump prefers a deal, "all options remain on the table." The administration is also leveraging the internal instability in Iran, where hyperinflation and mass protests have left the leadership in what some European leaders describe as its "final weeks". ‘Iran Is Talking to Us’: Donald Trump Says US-Iran Negotiations Underway, Warns ‘Will See What Happens’ if Talks Fail’.

The Risk of Miscalculation

Despite the talk of deals, the risk of an accidental spark remains high. On February 3, a US F-35 shot down an Iranian drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln, and the US Treasury has reported senior Iranian leaders moving millions of dollars out of the country - a sign of a regime "abandoning ship". As the two nations prepare for another round of indirect talks in Muscat early next week, the region remains on a knife-edge. The question remains: will the "massive fleet" lead to a historic deal or the first major conflict of the second Trump term?

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 09, 2026 08:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).