The U.S. military has deployed dozens of aircraft to bases operating near Iran and assembled about 12 warships in or near the Middle East in the past month, according to U.S. defense officials, satellite imagery and available tracking data, setting the stage for — but not assuring — possible U.S. strikes against the Iranian regime in coming weeks. The buildup falls short of what the Pentagon deployed in the region ahead of strikes against the Iranian nuclear program last year, said current and former U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. But it provides President Donald Trump with a credible military threat as he seeks to negotiate a peace deal with Iranian officials, and is likely to be expanded in coming days.

Full report : Satellite imagery shows where the U.S. military is positioned near Iran.