Dozens of fighter jets, including F-35s, F-22s, F-15s and F-16s, left bases in the U.S. and Europe and were spotted heading to the Middle East by the Military Air Tracking Alliance, a team of about 30 open-source analysts that routinely analyzes military and government flight activity.

Top national security officials have told President Trump the military is ready for potential strikes on Iran as soon as Saturday, but the timeline for any action is likely to extend beyond this weekend,

The KC-135 and KC-46 are the US Air Force's refuelling tankers and its presence in the Middle East is no good news for Iran in the build-up to the major military action against the Islamic Republic

Iran held annual military drills with Russia on Thursday as a second American aircraft carrier drew closer to the Middle East.

An armada of American warships, stealth fighters and air defense systems is taking up positions in the Middle East.

Trump expressed optimism last week that a nuclear deal could be made with Iran, but said he was prepared for the alternative.

The talks come as the U.S. ramps up its military presence in the Middle East and Iran holds large-scale maritime exercises.