US Builds Military Muscle as Iran Nuclear Talks Continue

As US and Iranian officials met in Geneva to map out a possible nuclear deal, Washington quietly expanded its military footprint across the Middle East.

Washington has surged aircraft, air defence systems and naval power into the Middle East in recent weeks, according to CNN. More than 250 US cargo flights have carried equipment into regional bases. Fighter jets have repositioned, and two carrier strike groups are now within operational range.

Officials say the buildup serves two purposes. It strengthens Washington’s hand at the negotiating table while positioning US President Donald Trump with strike options if talks fail. For weeks, Trump has made clear he is prepared to use force against Tehran if talks collapse.

In Geneva, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said the latest round produced an agreement on “guiding principles” for future negotiations. “The drafting and writing phase of the agreement will be more difficult,” Araghchi added. “At least now we have a framework and a clearer path to go on.”

Analyst Ali Vaez said clarity on scope would be a step forward. He said, “If the parties want a limited and achievable agreement, they’re going to have a deal. But if they want to go for overreach, they’re going to have a war.”