The US Navy has sent an additional warship to the Middle East, a US official told Reuters on Thursday, amid a large military buildup in the region and soaring tensions, Reuters reports.

The official, who was speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the USS Delbert D. Black had entered the region in the past 48 hours. This brings the number of destroyers in the Middle East to six, along with an aircraft carrier and three other littoral combat ships.

An entire squadron is currently stationed near Iran, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.

According to Reuters sources, US President Donald Trump is considering various options for putting pressure on Iran, including the possibility of striking Iranian security forces and government buildings. As per these sources, Trump's goal is to create conditions for a change in Iran's political leadership after the suppression of mass protests, which, according to human rights activists, have claimed thousands of lives.

Among the scenarios being discussed are US-led targeted strikes against commanders and facilities responsible for the crackdown on protesters. Large-scale strikes against Iran’s missile infrastructure and nuclear facilities are also being discussed. The sources emphasize that a final decision on the use of military force has not yet been made.

A senior Iranian source told Reuters that the country is preparing for a possible war, but is ready to negotiate through diplomatic channels. Tehran insists that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful, but warns that Iran will defend itself like never before if attacked.