The U.S. military has strengthened its footprint across the Middle East as tensions with Iran rise, with nuclear discussions cast into doubt on Wednesday prior to their relocation to Oman.
Officials from the U.S. and Iran were scheduled to convene Friday in Istanbul, with a number of Middle Eastern nations attending as observers.
A high-ranking U.S. official verified to Digital that the talks concerning Iran’s nuclear program will now be held in Oman.
“The decision to proceed was reached only after multiple Arab leaders urged the Trump administration today – arguing that the U.S. should not withdraw,” the source stated.
Satellite photos reveal U.S. aircraft, warships, and support platforms deployed across the area in late January.
“This military mobilization aligns with a force getting ready for a range of possible strike scenarios,” Philip Sheers, a research associate, informed Digital.
Sheers warned that visible deployments by themselves do not mean an attack is about to happen, noting that “visible presence is not the sole requirement for being ready to strike.”
“Extra maintenance gear, ammunition, and intelligence, among other things, might still be required before a planned strike can be carried out,” he explained, further stating that “operational specifics are classified and hard to interpret from just observing aircraft and ship movements.”
American naval forces in the area encompass the aircraft carrier strike group built around the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is in the Arabian Sea, alongside destroyers positioned across the eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea zones.
Pictures of Duqm Airport in Oman seem to depict a U.S. V-22 Osprey aircraft, which analysts examining the imagery suggested might aid in “search-and-rescue missions to retrieve personnel post-operation.”
Imagery from Muwaffaq Salti Airbase in Azraq, Jordan, appears to display aircraft that Sheers indicated might serve for “search and rescue at sea or for other logistical tasks.”
“It is evident that multirole fighter jets are based at this location, which would facilitate ground attacks and defensive air operations,” Sheers continued, also noting that helicopters were spotted, though their specific model could not be identified from the images.
Sheers also mentioned the existence of Iranian fast-attack craft, suggesting their possible function could be to “harass, wear down, or divert U.S. naval vessels in the region” and compel American forces to use time and resources on self-defense.
On Wednesday, a U.S. senator stated that the United States would only participate in substantive negotiations if they covered Iran’s ballistic missile program, backing of militant factions throughout the Middle East, and its domestic human rights record, alongside its nuclear endeavors.
“If the Iranians wish to meet, we are prepared. They have shown a desire to meet and talk. If they reconsider, that is also acceptable to us. We would rather meet and discuss,” Rubio said to reporters at the first Critical Minerals Ministerial gathering at the State Department.
As Digital previously reported, U.S. Central Command cautioned Iran against what it termed “escalatory actions” in international waters, pledging that the United States would safeguard its personnel and property.
On Tuesday, U.S. forces also monitored Iranian vessels that neared the Abraham Lincoln in international waters, U.S. Central Command reported, highlighting the growing friction.
“What is evident is that the United States is deploying a mix of intelligence, logistical, search and rescue, strike, and air defense assets into the region,” Sheers added.
“These are unambiguous messages to Iran of a growing U.S. capacity to strike, though the possible timing and objectives of any such strike remain uncertain and may stay that way,” he said.
‘ Gillian Turner contributed to this report.