The US sends its largest air deployment to the Middle East since 2003

The United States is dispatching its largest air deployment to the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

This was reported by The Wall Street Journal.

According to the newspaper, Washington is reinforcing its military presence by deploying F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, along with a second aircraft carrier and command aircraft.

The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is reported to be approaching the Strait of Gibraltar.

An unnamed U.S. official said the buildup could enable Washington to conduct military operations against Iran within weeks.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision on launching strikes.