Defense expert Cameron Chell called Iran's military moves a "calculated escalation" as U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones with strike capabilities were reportedly spotted in the region.

US President Donald Trump delivered his latest ultimatum to Iran on Thursday during a meeting of the Board of Peace, the Middle East coalition Trump formed to stabilise a region he could soon plunge into a new, weeks-long war.

WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday it must make a ⁠deal ⁠over its nuclear program or "really bad things" will happen, and set ⁠a deadline of 10 to 15 days, drawing a threat from Tehran to retaliate against U.S. bases in the region if attacked.

The Iranian naval drill and the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier near the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea underscore the tensions between the nations.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday that it must reach a deal over its nuclear program or "bad things" will happen, and appeared to set a 10-day deadline before the U.S. might take action.

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is sending a slew of additional weaponry to the Middle East, including more warships, air defenses and submarines, in preparation for a possible military strike on Iran if President Donald Trump makes that decision,

Oil futures edged higher in early Asian trade amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions that could lead to supply disruptions.

As Trump pressures Iran, he's spoken of an "armada" heading for the Mideast, but there's another massive movement of American fire power in the air.