India, Feb. 18 -- The United States has sharply stepped up its military deployment in the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue to rise, even as indirect talks over Iran's nuclear programme are underway in Geneva. Washington has sent a large number of fighter jets and strengthened its naval presence in the region, signalling increased military readiness.

This escalation comes at a sensitive time, with strong warnings issued by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and fresh military activity reported near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.

According to a report by The Jerusalem Post, based on information from Axios and a US official, the US military has moved over 50 fighter jets ...