The United States sends a second aircraft carrier and builds up military forces in the Middle East

The United States is sending a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East and has assembled a large force of warships and aircraft in the region. Trump said the carrier is 'leaving very shortly.' The Pentagon is preparing the deployment.

Iran's deputy foreign minister outlined the country's plan if the U.S. strikes, and the Iranian armed forces warned that 'any unwise action will ignite a widespread fire.' Russia's foreign minister, Lavrov, warned that any new U.S. strike on Iran is 'playing with fire.' Reports claim the U.S. military is ready for a strike on Iran as soon as this weekend.

Reports say Trump is considering a limited strike on Iran, but Israel is pressing for one while Trump remains reluctant. The U.S. ambassador to Israel said a decision on a U.S. strike against Iran has 'yet to be made.' The U.S. has ordered a shelter-in-place for personnel across five Middle East countries.