On Saturday, US President Donald Trump confirmed the reports, saying an American “armada” is heading towards the Middle East and that Washington is closely monitoring the situation in Iran.
The US administration says that all options, including military action, remain on the table in dealing with Tehran, as the US and Israel seek to change Iran’s ruling system.
Iranian officials have warned that any US attack would draw a “swift and comprehensive” response.
Last June, Israel, with US backing, launched a 12-day war against Iran, prompting retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Tehran before Washington announced a ceasefire.
Israel and Iran regard each other as their primary adversary and have for years traded accusations over sabotage operations and cyberattacks.
Israel, the US and other states accuse Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, while Tehran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, including electricity generation.
Israel is widely believed to be the only country in the region with a nuclear arsenal, though it has never officially acknowledged it and is not subject to inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
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