The secretary said he felt the build-up in the Middle East was necessary to ensure that the 30,000 American troops stationed in the region are protected in case tensions with Iran escalate further.

Donald Trump has warned Iran that “time is running out” to reach a deal to avert US military action as he said a fleet of ships was ready to undertake a mission he compared to Washington’s recent operation in Venezuela.

Iran’s foreign minister warned the U.S. of a forceful response to any attack as military assets move closer to the Middle East.

The commander of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which was key in putting down recent nationwide protests in a crackdown that left thousands dead, warned that his force is "more ready than ever,

Tehran and its regional proxy groups have threatened retaliation against the United States and Israel as Washington moves additional military assets into the Middle East after the regime’s lethal crackdown on protesters.

U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing options against Iran that include targeted strikes on security forces ‌and ​leaders to inspire protesters, multiple sources said, even as Israeli and Arab officials said air power ‌alone would not topple the clerical rulers.