#Middle East

President Trump has reportedly directed a second aircraft carrier strike group to ready for deployment to the Middle East as the U.S. military buildup continues amid rising tensions with Iran, though any additional naval power would take weeks to arrive in theater.

The United States and Iran are preparing for diplomatic negotiations even as Washington deploys additional military assets to the Middle East, blending deterrence with dialogue.

Washington and Tehran prepare for Oman-hosted nuclear negotiations while the Pentagon deploys carrier groups and F-35s to the Central Command theater.