Trump considers military strikes on Iran while deploying warships and increasing sanctions

The Trump administration is escalating military and diplomatic pressure on Iran. Trump says he is considering 'very strong' military options and has deployed a 'massive armada' of warships to the Middle East, while the U.S. also imposed new sanctions on Iranian officials. Iran has responded by planning live-fire military drills in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and warning that a U.S. attack could ignite a wider regional war.

U.S. officials are reportedly receiving intelligence briefings on potential strike options and covert actions. At the same time, diplomatic contacts are occurring, with Trump stating he has spoken to Iranian officials and hopes to avoid military action. The situation has prompted the U.S. to adjust personnel levels at some bases in the region, like in Qatar, and has drawn warnings from allies like Hezbollah about the risks of a broader conflict.