21.01.2026 14:58
As tensions between the US and Iran reach a peak, the Wall Street Journal reported that "the US has deployed warplanes to the Middle East and an aircraft carrier is also heading to the region." The report stated that "F-15E fighter jets belonging to the US Army landed in Jordan on Sunday, January 18; the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is also advancing towards the Persian Gulf with a strike group that includes destroyers, F-35s, and electronic warfare aircraft."
After Trump frequently threatened Iran, the U.S.-based Wall Street Journal reported on the U.S.'s consecutive moves in the Middle East.
MILITARY OPTIONS STILL ON THE TABLE
According to the newspaper's report based on U.S. officials, President Donald Trump continues to evaluate military options against Iran. The report stated that Trump requested military options that his aides described as "decisive." U.S. officials speaking to the WSJ noted that "despite Trump stepping back from a possible attack on Iran last week, the Iranian government's harsh interventions against protesters and increasing casualties have not completely removed military options from the agenda."
The report mentioned, "These discussions are being conducted simultaneously with the U.S. sending an aircraft carrier and fighter jets to the Middle East. These deployments could mark the beginning of a broader military buildup that would allow Trump to have the capability to attack Iran if he chooses."
"TARGETING THE REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS IS BEING CONSIDERED"
According to officials, Trump repeatedly used the word "decisive" while explaining how he wants any U.S. action against Iran to impact. This approach has led to various scenarios being considered at the Pentagon and the White House, which could include removing the Iranian government from power.
The report stated that targeting facilities belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is also being evaluated as part of more limited military options. However, officials emphasized that Trump has not yet given an order for an attack on Iran and that the final decision remains uncertain.
"IRANIAN OFFICIALS MAY HAVE KILLED 18,000 PEOPLE"
The report mentioned that there are different estimates regarding the number of people killed in anti-government protests in Iran, stating that "U.S. officials assessed that the death toll could be well above 2,000 to 3,000." It was noted that Mike Waltz, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), referred to UN assessments and stated that Iranian officials may have killed up to 18,000 people.
The report indicated that Trump responded to a question about the possibility of an attack on Iran on Tuesday by saying, "We'll have to see what happens with Iran," and reminded that Iran canceled its plans to hang 837 people after Washington's warnings.
"FIGHTER JETS LANDED IN JORDAN, AIRCRAFT CARRIER HEADING TOWARDS THE PERSIAN GULF"
The report stated, "The U.S. Army continues to send additional military elements to the Middle East, including U.S. F-15E fighter jets that landed in Jordan on Sunday, January 18." It was reported that the "USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is also moving towards the Persian Gulf with a strike group that includes destroyers, F-35s, and electronic warfare aircraft."
U.S. officials indicated that Patriot and THAAD air defense systems would also be deployed in the region against possible Iranian retaliations.
"TRUMP ADMINISTRATION DISCUSSING NON-MILITARY OPTIONS AGAINST IRAN"
The report also noted that "the Trump administration is discussing non-military options against Iran, including support for online coordination of protesters and the introduction of new sanctions."
It was reminded that the Tehran government announced it would respond to Americans if the U.S. bombed Iran or targeted the country's leadership. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated, "Any attack on our Supreme Leader means total war against the Iranian nation."