USSS Abraham Lincoln As the USS Abraham Lincoln enters Middle Eastern waters, many are preparing for another potential US-Israeli conflict with Iran-the second in under eight months. There’s a palpable sense of fear across the region, stretching from the Gulf to Iran and all the way to Israel. Foreign nations are urging their citizens to leave these countries, and several airlines have halted flights to the area. Once again, it feels like the Middle East is on high alert, with worries that a larger conflict could spark at any moment. With an extra 7,000 US troops deployed to the area, along with additional jets and fighter planes, this military buildup is being called one of the largest “prepare for action” movements since 2003 when the US initiated its major campaign against Iraq and altered dynamics in the region. Today, countries in the Middle East are uneasy about what’s happening and concerned about possible instability ahead. US President Donald Trump isn’t helping ease those concerns. He’s claiming he’s considering all options but keeps everyone guessing about his next steps. He has warned that if Iran continues its harsh crackdown on protesters, military intervention by the US could happen-something that seems to please the Israeli government, which is reportedly playing a secret role in promoting unrest within Iran. While Trump escalates tensions and increases military presence as a show of force, he also sends confusing messages. His tone isn’t as aggressive as it was during US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites back in June 2025. What he really seeks is to compel Iran back into negotiations and secure a solid agreement regarding its nuclear program. He asserts that Iran’s facilities have suffered significant damage and may struggle to recover; however, this seems unlikely given how advanced Iran has become in enriching nuclear material. Trump refers to Israel as a “role model” ally while encouraging Arab nations to follow suit-a claim many find amusing-yet Washington might be drifting away from Tel Aviv regarding goals concerning Iran and could even find itself at odds with them. Analysts suggest Israel favors multiple strikes aimed at changing Tehran’s regime without much concern for potential fallout. The United States appears more cautious by contrast. Officials don’t necessarily desire a new regime in Iran due to uncertainty about what might take its place. They prefer dealing with “the devil you know rather than the devil you don’t.” Washington wants leadership it can cooperate with despite ideological differences-even amid Trump’s loud rhetoric which Tehran might use if it decides to play nice. An analyst mentions that Trump likely desires concrete gains from Iran-ideally access for US oil companies-but this ambition may be unrealistic. If those aspirations fall through, Trump will probably advocate for a new nuclear deal designed to replace the expired 2015 agreement due for renewal after September 2025. He aims for a deal that carries his distinct “Trumpian” mark despite many issues already being resolved beforehand. Naturally, he wants recognition for sealing such an agreement. The region now hangs precariously on edge. The situation remains tense yet unpredictable; many experts argue that an outright war in the Middle East isn’t around the corner since it’s neither politically nor economically viable right now. Still, logic often doesn’t apply in Trump’s world-especially with Israel pushing hard for fresh assaults on Iran focused on its ballistic missile capabilities. Iran claims it’s ready too. It has warned it would target US bases both locally and further afield if there’s even a hint of an imminent strike against them. Iranian leaders insist they won’t just sit back while Washington or Tel Aviv takes action against them; henceforth this entire situation resembles an escalating poker game between powerful players. While some think that over recent years both Iran and allied groups like Hezbollah or Hamas have been considerably weakened, neither Washington nor Tel Aviv can confidently gauge Tehran’s true capabilities moving forward-which leaves them uncertain about their next actions or what moves Tehran may make next. This uncertainty makes both Israel and America anxious over unpredictable developments throughout this region where everyone waits anxiously while tapping their fingers nervously anticipating what’s coming next.
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Get the latest Counter Currents updates delivered straight to your inbox. Dr Asmar is a writer based in Amman and is the editor of www. crossfirearabia. comSource link
