US media: The US increases fighter jet deployments to the Middle East as Trump weighs expanding military action against Iran

July 20, according to CNN: As tensions with Iran continue to escalate, the US is increasing its aircraft deployments in the Middle East. A US official said the US plans to redeploy F-16 and F-35 fighter jets from bases in Europe and send additional air refueling aircraft. The added military capabilities will give US President Trump more options as he weighs how to respond to this continuously escalating conflict. Last week, Trump received a briefing in the Situation Room on plans to escalate the war. He had considered whether to attempt to seize the key Iranian oil export hub of Khark Island or to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities located at “Mount Jabal.” However, Trump has not yet completely ruled out the possibility of resolving the issue through diplomatic channels. US Secretary of State Rubio said overnight that the door to returning to the negotiating table remains open.