The US Military has issued a dire warning that it could be ready to strike Iran as soon as this weekend, but President Trump still has not made a final decision on whether to authorize such action.
Senior national security officials shared with Trump that US forces, bolstered by a huge buildup of air and naval assets in the Middle East, could roll out strikes from strategic locations if diplomatic talks fail to produce an agreement with Tehran.
This preparation comes amid ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, which so far have produced only broad guiding principles and wide gaps between both sides.
White House officials are now weighing potential risks of escalation with the military's readiness posture, and Trump has been consulting top advisers, including some very special envoys and senior national figures in the security domain, on the best path forward.
Despite this buildup and readiness signals, there has yet to be any authorization to strike just yet.
The White House has issued a warning to Iran to take on the nuclear deal with the US or face military action.