Media outlets in the US are also reporting that preparations are being made for ground operations. There is speculation that plans have been drawn up for raids on specific targets, including energy installations and key sites in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has said it would “rain fire” on any ground forces and it is likely that US forces would be exposed to attacks from drones and missiles that Iran has continued to deploy despite weeks of US and Israeli airstrikes on the country.
The conflict has continued to escalate, with Yemen’s Houthis joining attacks on Israel in recent days and threatening shipping in the Red Sea. In Lebanon, Israel is widening its assault against Iran’s allies Hezbollah.
Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Joe Inwood, Marc Ashdown, Simon Jack, Jeremy Bowen and Gary O’Donoghue.
