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What happened
A senior military official has stated that US strikes on Iran could rapidly intensify soon, with a massive force buildup in the region. The US military is currently conducting a large-scale deployment of approximately 9,000 additional sailors and Marines to the region aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and USS Makin Island amphibious ready group.
This deployment could potentially enhance the regional American naval presence to more than 20,000 personnel and three aircraft carriers by late October. American aerial refueling flights over the Middle East have also increased by approximately 50% per day during the first two weeks of October compared to September.
Experts believe that the buildup could be a direct preparation for already planned actions or a signal and a threat to Iran, with the hope that it will not be needed but with full readiness to use it. The Iranian regime has intensified attacks on commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, striking at least 24 vessels between September 28 and October 11.
The US president has threatened to "annihilate" the Islamic regime, and some experts believe that the possibility of an escalation in the Iran War is directly linked to Israel and its upcoming elections. The recent reduction in strikes on Iran by the US military could also be tied to polling showing the Iran War is largely unpopular among Americans.
According to recent polls, 64% of respondents identified the conflict as one of their top voting considerations, and approximately 65% of respondents disapprove of President Trump's handling of military operations against Iran. Meanwhile, 69% of Americans believe the war in Iran has not been worth fighting, and 71% disapprove of Trump's handling of the conflict.
