Col. Richard Kemp noted that the current military buildup in the Middle East is the largest since 2003, surpassing the force seen during the June 2025 conflict. With four American carrier strike groups and increased air assets, the U.S. appears poised for potential military action against Iran, although Kemp believes a strike is likely but not inevitable. President Trump may prefer to leverage military pressure for concessions from Tehran rather than engage in war. Should diplomacy fail, the U.S. buildup suggests preparation for extensive military operations, including addressing Iranian proxies and protecting regional allies.
