The United States is dramatically escalating its military posture in the Middle East as tensions with Iran reach a critical point. A powerful U.S. armada—led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln—is moving closer to Iran, backed by stealth F-35Cs, Super Hornets, Growlers, Tomahawk-armed warships, and expanded missile defence networks across the Gulf. With THAAD and Patriot systems activated and CENTCOM strengthening air and missile coordination in Qatar, President Donald Trump is openly warning Tehran to abandon any nuclear ambitions or face a massive U.S. response. As both sides signal readiness, fears are mounting that the standoff could tip into open conflict.