U.S. forces ready to restart fighting if necessary, officials say

CBS News
April 21, 2026
2 min read

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U.S. forces in the Middle East are ready to restart fighting, with increased military presence.

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U.S. officials state that American forces are prepared to restart fighting if necessary, following a significant military buildup in the Middle East. This deployment marks the largest U.S. military presence in the region since the invasion of Iraq, with additional forces and a third aircraft carrier recently added. The increased presence reflects President Trump's "gunboat diplomacy" strategy, as reported by Charlie D'Agata. This move signals a heightened state of readiness and a potential escalation of military action in the Middle East.

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