The US military has moved some aircraft and ships from bases in the Middle East that may be vulnerable to any potential Iranian attack, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday, Reuters reports.

The two US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the move of aircraft and ships was a part of plans to protect US forces, but declined to say how many had been moved and where to.

"It is not an uncommon practice," one of these official added. "Force protection is the priority."

US President Donald Trump had told his aides on Tuesday evening that he had approved a plan to strike Iran but had not yet given the order to carry it out, as he hopes Tehran will abandon its nuclear program, The Wall Street Journal reports.

On June 13, Israel attacked Iran, and this was followed by retaliatory measures by Iran. Military actions between the two countries are continuing to this day.