The U.S. has initiated its most significant military buildup in the Middle East in recent times, preparing for what appears to be a “very active” operation aimed at Iran, according to a former high-ranking Pentagon official.
Dana Stroll, who currently directs research at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, shared these insights as discussions between Washington and Tehran are set to continue in Oman, where indirect nuclear talks are underway.
“The military is primed to execute sustained operations in response to directives from President Trump, ensuring our allies in the Middle East are protected from Iranian missile threats,” Stroll conveyed to Fox News Digital.
He emphasized that the U.S. can quickly reposition its assets globally and apply overwhelming force in a particular conflict zone within a short timeframe, noting, “No ally or adversary can replicate this current buildup.”
Stroll highlighted how this military posture contrasts with a previous limited strike in June 2025 against Iran’s nuclear targets, underscoring an expansion in both offensive and defensive capabilities. “Last summer, during the Twelve-Day War, two aircraft carriers and their escorts were stationed in the Middle East. The addition of the Ford significantly amplifies America’s strike abilities should a war with Iran erupt,” he remarked.
In that limited strike, the U.S. targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities without escalating into a broader regional conflict, but Stroll indicated that the current military stance is more robust and sustained.
The number of guided missile destroyers, fighter jets, tanker aircraft, and air defense systems has also been increased in that region. The deployment of aircraft carriers like the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln holds strategic importance, indicating a shift in military focus.
Recently, the USS Gerald R. Ford was observed heading east through the Strait of Gibraltar, while the USS Abraham Lincoln was active in the Arabian Sea. “Both will be part of the CENTCOM theater in the Middle East,” Stroll clarified, suggesting one carrier may be positioned in the Eastern Mediterranean and the other in the Arabian Gulf.
The buildup comes amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, with Oman acting as a facilitator. Stroll noted that Iranian leaders are trying to navigate a mix of brinkmanship and negotiation, indicating a level of desperation. “They are attempting to project strength while negotiating,” she said, stating that one shouldn’t overlook the reality of U.S. military dominance.
Moreover, she pointed out vulnerabilities within Iran’s military capabilities due to external pressures, including those from Israel. “Over the last couple of years, Israel’s operations have significantly weakened Iran’s regional proxy networks,” she added.
While Iranian leaders might claim otherwise, Stroll expressed skepticism about their ability to quickly recover military capabilities destroyed in past engagements. “Whatever declarations come from Iran, regaining long-lost military prowess won’t happen overnight,” she commented, emphasizing that the U.S. military readiness hinges on political decisions rather than preparedness alone.
