According to reports, the Pentagon has ordered the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, along with several destroyers, to move from the South China Sea toward the Middle East. At the same time, hundreds of U.S. troops are being withdrawn from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American air base in the region. Analysts note that Washington typically strengthens its naval presence before launching any military operation.

Trump Wants a “Quick and Decisive” Action

U.S. media report that President Donald Trump has told his national security team that if the U.S. acts militarily against Iran, he wants the strike to be fast, decisive, and limited, avoiding a long and costly war.

However, Trump’s advisers have not been able to guarantee that a military strike would quickly collapse the Iranian regime. There is also concern within the U.S. administration that American forces in the region may not be fully prepared to deal with strong Iranian retaliation.

Officials fear that a weakened Iranian government—already under pressure from widespread protests—could respond more aggressively against U.S. forces and allies such as Israel.

Because of these risks, Trump may initially approve a limited strike, while keeping the option open for escalation if necessary.

Trump: “We Will Watch and See”

On Wednesday night, Trump told reporters that Iran had reportedly stopped killing protesters and had paused planned executions—actions that, he said, could have triggered a U.S. military response.

“We were told by very reliable sources that the killings have stopped and the executions will not happen,” Trump said, adding, “I hope it’s true. We’ll see.”

When asked whether military action was now off the table, Trump replied:
“We’ll watch and see how the situation develops.”

A White House official stressed that “all options remain on the table”, pointing out that Trump has shown in the past that he is willing to use military force.

Western Countries Pull Staff and Issue Warnings

Meanwhile, Western countries are taking precautionary measures. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued a security warning, urging American citizens to remain alert and reconsider travel plans due to rising regional tensions.

The United Kingdom has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran, with staff working remotely. Italy, Spain, and Poland have advised their citizens to leave Iran immediately. Poland also warned against travel through the Persian Gulf and the wider Middle East.

Iran Warns the U.S.

Iran responded with a warning of its own. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking to Fox News, sent a direct message to President Trump:

“Do not repeat the same mistake you made in June. If you try again, you will get the same result.”