The US is preparing a major naval buildup [7] in the Middle East, including up to three aircraft carriers and their escort ships, as President Trump weighs whether to intensify the war with Iran. The buildup may involve up to 20,000 troops, 150 fighter jets, and numerous destroyers, the Washington Post reported Oct. 1. US and Iranian officials held indirect talks through mediators [8] Sept. 28-30, focused mostly on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing US sanctions and blockades. Trump has rejected [9] Iran's latest peace proposal [10] as insufficient and raised the possibility of renewed strikes. (TNH [12])
