The United Kingdom has deployed Typhoon fighter jets to Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar in what it called a “defensive” move, as fears of a direct war between the United States and Iran continue to rise. The deployment comes alongside a major U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, including the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, additional cargo aircraft, and aerial refueling tankers. President Donald Trump said a “big force” is moving toward Iran, while Iranian leaders issued counter-threats, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warning Tehran would retaliate with “everything it has” if the U.S. attacks.