Greg Myrie

What you don't see are large numbers of U.S.

ground troops.

And with no prospect of a ground war, Iran's leaders seem to believe they could survive a U.S.

bombing campaign.

I spoke with Alex Vatanca at the Middle East Institute here in Washington.

Yeah, that's really accurate.

And this has been a very different approach than we've seen from other presidents in the run-up to wars.

Trump, for example, hasn't made a major speech to the American people about the prospect for a new Middle East war, though his State of the Union address is on Tuesday.

His administration hasn't sought support from Congress or made the case at the United Nations.

And aside from Israel, the president hasn't sought to bring in U.S.

allies or build an international coalition.

Another key point, the president has been intentionally vague about his ultimate goal.

Some days it sounds like the aim is a nuclear deal.

Other times the emphasis seems to be on ousting Iran's theocratic leaders.

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.