Despite consideration of a delay, the U.S. military is prepared to escalate if
necessary. A third aircraft carrier is due to enter the Middle East in coming
days to replace one of two currently deployed; all three carriers could remain
in the region simultaneously if required. Trump retains the option to strike
Iran’s underground nuclear facilities; previous strikes have hit those sites and
the effectiveness of further attacks is unclear. U.S. intelligence assesses
Renewed strikes would not significantly change Iran’s negotiating demands.
