According to The Wall Street Journal, US military commanders are developing possible scenarios for strikes against Iran as Washington continues to strengthen its military presence in the Middle East.

Sources cited by the newspaper said two US Navy aircraft carrier strike groups are already operating in the region, while a third is heading there from the Pacific Ocean. The Pentagon is also deploying an additional amphibious assault ship carrying US Marines.

Meanwhile, Middle Eastern mediators are attempting to restart negotiations with Iran amid concerns that hostilities could resume. The Wall Street Journal reported that these diplomatic efforts are taking place as the United States sends another aircraft carrier to the region and Israel warns that it is preparing plans for potential new strikes.

At the same time, NBC News reported that Washington has begun reducing its military personnel at bases across the Middle East. According to the network, US troops have been withdrawn from facilities in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait in recent days.

On October 21, the heads of several American diplomatic missions in the region were also informed of upcoming staff reductions. The affected embassies and diplomatic offices will have to continue operating with fewer personnel.

NBC News noted that Washington took similar measures before launching its military operation against Iran in February. According to the network’s sources, the current withdrawal of military and diplomatic personnel closely resembles the preparations that preceded the previous US strikes