US Military Buildup Fuels Iran Strike Fears Amidst Protests

• The US is significantly increasing its military presence in West Asia, including an aircraft carrier group and F-15 jets, raising concerns about a potential strike on Iran.
• The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group, with destroyers USS Spruance and USS Michael Murphy, is moving towards CENTCOM-controlled waters via the Strait of Malacca.
• Iran is grappling with deadly domestic protests, with thousands killed, while its leaders blame the US and Israel for fueling unrest.
• US officials state "all options are now on the table" to give Trump flexibility, though a planned attack was reportedly canceled earlier due to operational limitations and diplomatic constraints.
• Iranian leaders, including President Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Khamenei, have warned of a strong response to any US military action, calling an attack on the Supreme Leader an act of war.

Why It Matters: US military buildup and hostile rhetoric raise fears of a potential strike on Iran, which warns of severe retaliation.