U.S. Pauses Major Strikes as Iran Tensions Persist
The United States is rapidly expanding its aerial and kinetic presence in the Middle East, deploying fighter jets, bombers, aerial refueling capacity, and special operations personnel in response to Iranian-linked attacks and to deter further aggression. Officials say the shift aims to provide strategic flexibility rather than guarantee a large-scale ground war, as President Trump weighs expanding operations with options including intensified airstrikes and possible strikes on critical Iranian infrastructure such as Kharg Island and a Zagros-area nuclear facility, with allied forces and bases in Europe involved in the buildup.