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.
