Amid rising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, the United States has reportedly prepared for possible military strikes on Iran. However, US President Donald Trump has not yet approved any action.

US Ready, Decision Pending

CNN reported that the White House has been told the US military could be ready to strike Iran by the weekend. At the same time, Washington has increased its military presence across the region. It has deployed additional air and naval assets.

Senior national security officials met in the White House situation room on Wednesday. They reviewed military and strategic options. President Trump also received briefings from special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Still, no final order has been given. "He is spending a lot of time thinking about this," CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.

Military Plans Reviewed

The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has examined several military options against Tehran. An unnamed US official said the options are "all of them designed to maximise damage".

One reported strategy includes a campaign to "kill scores of Iranian political and military leaders, with the goal of overthrowing the government". However, officials have not confirmed that any specific plan has been approved.

US Strengthens Regional Presence

The Trump administration has expanded its military footprint in the Middle East.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is already stationed about 700 kilometres from the Iranian coast. The carrier group includes nearly 80 aircraft. Satellite images confirmed its position as of Sunday. The administration has also ordered a second aircraft carrier to the region.

In addition, the US Air Force has begun repositioning assets from the United Kingdom to the Middle East. These include refuelling tankers and fighter jets, according to CNN.

Flight-tracking data shows that US military cargo planes have transported equipment to Jordan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia in recent weeks.

Iran Signals Readiness

Iran has also taken visible steps. Its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has started war games in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait is a key route for global oil and gas shipments. Iranian politicians have warned they could block the passage if tensions rise further. Such a move would disrupt global energy markets.

White House Pushes Diplomacy

Despite the military buildup, US officials say diplomacy remains the first option.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran would be "wise" to reach a deal with Washington. She referred to recent talks in Geneva and said, "There was a little bit of progress made, but we are still far apart on some issues. We expect the Iranians to come back with the details in the next couple of weeks. The president will continue to watch how this plays out."

Leavitt stressed that Trump prefers diplomacy before considering military action.

Iran Says It Does Not Want War

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is "drafting" a framework for future talks with the US.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country does "not want war". However, he rejected outside pressure. "From the day I took office, I have believed that war must be aside. But if they are going to try to impose their will on us, humiliate us and demand that we bow our heads at any cost, should we accept that?" he asked.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright repeated that Washington will stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons "one way or the other".

"They've been very clear about what they would do with nuclear weapons. It's entirely unacceptable," Wright added.

Situation Remains Uncertain

The US military appears prepared. Iran has shown its strength. However, President Trump has not made a final decision. The next few days will be critical. Diplomacy may still prevent conflict. But the risk of escalation remains high.