In recent weeks, the United States has expanded its military presence around Iran, sending additional naval forces to the region as President Donald Trump weighs the possibility of military action. Trump has referred to the growing deployment as an “armada,” although officials within the administration have not publicly explained the precise goals behind the buildup, according to a report by The New York Times.

Among the forces deployed is the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by three guided-missile warships armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles. These ships were previously involved in strikes on two Iranian nuclear facilities last June, when the United States joined Israel in coordinated attacks.

The escort vessels are also equipped with advanced air-defense systems designed to protect the carrier strike group. Aircraft operating from the Lincoln—including F-35 stealth fighters and F/A-18 attack jets—are now positioned within striking distance of numerous potential targets inside Iran.

The report also notes a significant increase in U.S. military power in the area with the deployment of a second carrier strike group. This group includes the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, along with three destroyers assigned to accompany it. Aircraft from the Ford were previously used during the January 3 operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

Additionally, the U.S. Navy has stationed another destroyer in the Northern Arabian Sea, while an additional vessel is en route. With these deployments, the total number of American destroyers operating across the wider region has risen to 13, according to a Navy official.

Meanwhile, Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in eastern Jordan appears to have become a central hub for American air operations tied to the buildup. Between mid-January and mid-February, at least two groups of attack aircraft arrived there, bringing the total number stationed at the base to more than 60.

The base has also received four electronic-warfare aircraft designed to disrupt enemy radar and communications systems. Satellite imagery from January 30 showed at least five MQ-9 Reaper drones positioned at the installation.

On February 24, the United States also deployed 11 F-22 stealth fighters to the Ovda Air Base in southern Israel. Flight-tracking data and satellite images indicate that the U.S. is continuing to move additional aircraft into the region, including refueling tankers and reconnaissance planes equipped with advanced surveillance technology.

To support these operations, dozens of tanker and cargo aircraft have recently been relocated from the United States to air bases throughout Europe, strengthening logistical support for American forces operating in the Middle East.

At the same time, the Pentagon has sent additional Patriot and THAAD missile-defense systems to the region to help protect U.S. troops from possible retaliatory strikes involving Iranian short- and medium-range missiles. Currently, an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 American troops are stationed across the region.

Long-range bombers based in the United States that are capable of striking targets inside Iran have also been placed on a higher alert level than usual. The Pentagon raised the alert status in January after President Trump requested military options in response to Iran’s crackdown on domestic protests.

Since then, several special-operations aircraft, surveillance planes, and aerial refueling tankers have been deployed to the Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean. The base is known as a forward operating location for B-2 stealth bombers, which can conduct long-distance strike missions.

The growing military buildup has drawn attention from lawmakers in Washington. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called on President Trump to clarify the objectives behind the pressure campaign and troop deployments aimed at Iran.

Schumer’s request came after senior congressional leaders received a classified briefing earlier that day, during which cabinet officials provided updates about the evolving situation.

Other lawmakers also expressed concern following the briefing.

“This is a very serious matter, and the president has a responsibility to clearly explain his goals,” Schumer told Jewish Insider after the meeting.