US gathers three aircraft carriers near Iran, Trump discusses new strikes

Build-up of US military presence

US President Donald Trump stated that Washington may attack Iran again, despite negotiations on ending the war. In parallel, the United States is significantly increasing its military contingent in the region. According to reports by BILD, three aircraft carriers, 17 warships, and over 20,000 service members are being concentrated in the Arabian Sea.

Targets and situation assessment

Trump claims that US armed forces have already destroyed Iran's nuclear programme, but one or two facilities remain, which, according to him, can be dealt with "in ten minutes". Among the potential targets, the head of state mentioned Mount Kolang, also known as "Pickaxe Mountain". It is assumed that a nuclear complex is located under this mountain. The facility is in Isfahan province, approximately 200 kilometres south of Tehran, near the nuclear centre in Natanz. Iranian authorities deny that work is being carried out on the mountain as part of the nuclear programme.

Diplomatic aspect and timelines

Trump noted that the US is not rushing with new strikes, as negotiations are progressing "well". At the same time, he called the Iranian side unreliable. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised that there is no final decision yet on resuming military operations, and Washington maintains the possibility of a diplomatic settlement of the conflict.

According to BILD, US forces may be ready to strike within 96 hours of a corresponding presidential order. The possibility of a new attack is linked, among other things, to the period after the US midterm elections, scheduled for 3 November.

Tehran's response

Tehran, for its part, warned of its readiness for a massive response. On 31 October, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated before the senior military command that the country would respond to any threat "immediately, effectively, and without geographical limitations".

Iranian army representative Mohammad Akraminia also warned on state television that a new war could last longer than the previous conflict. In his words, Trump cannot dictate to Iran the terms and conditions for ending hostilities.