Greg Myhre

Media reports in Iran say the country is expecting a U.S.

strike.

Iran's leaders say they will retaliate if attacked and they have a stockpile of ballistic missiles.

Greg Myhre, NPR News, Washington.

After a month-long buildup, U.S.

forces in the Middle East have reached a critical mass.

A second aircraft carrier and 50 or more fighter jets have just arrived or will be in place soon.

The U.S.

now appears capable of a sustained bombing campaign that could last weeks, if not longer.

President Trump remains noncommittal about his plans.

Media reports in Iran say the country is expecting a U.S.

strike.

Iran's leaders say they will retaliate if attacked and they have a stockpile of ballistic missiles.

Greg Myhre, NPR News, Washington.

The Pentagon isn't talking about the U.S.

military buildup.

But flight tracking groups on social media say the U.S.

is moving around 50 more fighter jets to countries near Iran.

And President Trump has confirmed a second aircraft carrier is on the way.

He says he favors a nuclear deal with Iran, which would necessitate more negotiations.