Tracking the rapid US military build-up near Iran
Al Jazeera
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States is rapidly increasing its military presence in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran over its nuclear program and ballistic missile stockpile. President Donald Trump has set a deadline of 10 to 15 days for Iran to agree to a deal, warning of "bad things happening" if it doesn't comply. The US has deployed significant assets, including the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and E-3 AWACS surveillance planes, as part of this build-up. These moves have drawn attention to Diego Garcia, a British-controlled Indian Ocean base crucial for strategic bombers like the B-2, which Trump wants to use if necessary.
The recent deployment includes over 120 aircraft, the largest surge in US airpower since the Iraq War. Assets such as F-35 stealth fighters and F-22 air superiority jets have been sent alongside other fighter planes, supported by cargo and refueling tankers. This build-up reflects sustained operational planning rather than routine rotations. The deployment follows earlier arrivals of F-15E Strike Eagles and hints at potential military action, with experts suggesting a repeat of "Midnight Hammer," the 2025 strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Diego Garcia's role is pivotal due to its ability to host long-range bombers. However, as a British sovereign base leased to the US, London must approve any offensive
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/20/2026