Is US preparing for a bigger war? ‘Wartime footing’ move raises alarm
Washington: The United States is ramping up military preparedness and accelerating defence production as part of a broader shift to a “wartime footing,” signalling a potential escalation even as diplomatic efforts to end the Iran conflict continue.
The Pentagon has reached framework agreements with major defence companies, including BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin and Honeywell, to significantly boost the production of key weapons systems and munitions, according to Reuters.
Under the agreements, Honeywell Aerospace will “surge production of critical components for America’s munitions stockpile” as part of a $500 million multi-year investment, the Pentagon said. Meanwhile, BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin will quadruple production of seekers for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) interceptor. A separate deal with Lockheed will also accelerate production of its Precision Strike Missile, further strengthening US offensive capabilities.
Troop build-up continues
The military push comes alongside plans to deploy at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East in the coming days, adding to an already significant US presence in the region.
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Diplomatic push runs parallel
Even as Washington bolsters its military posture, backchannel diplomacy remains active. Iran has received a 15-point ceasefire proposal from the US, conveyed through Pakistani intermediaries who have offered to host talks between the two sides.
The proposal reportedly includes sanctions relief, civilian nuclear cooperation, rollback of Iran’s nuclear programme, monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency, missile restrictions, and ensuring shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz.
However, prospects for negotiations remain uncertain. While Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has held discussions with counterparts, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has denied claims of direct talks with Washington. An Iranian military spokesperson has also indicated that hostilities will continue.
Conflicting signals from Washington
US President Donald Trump suggested progress in talks, claiming Iran had shared an oil- and gas-related “present,” a day after stating that Tehran was eager for a deal to end the war.
Also read | No entry! Iran turns back Pakistan-bound vessel as tensions rise in Strait of Hormuz
Despite such signals, military activity has shown no signs of slowing. Strikes have been reported across Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
Iran’s military said its cruise missiles fired at the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group had “forced it to change its position”, warning of “powerful strikes” when the “hostile fleet” comes into range.
UN condemnation
Amid the escalating conflict, the United Nations Human Rights Council has condemned Iran’s actions and demanded accountability.
The 47-member council adopted a resolution calling on Tehran to “immediately and unconditionally cease all unprovoked attacks” against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan.
The resolution “condemns in the strongest terms the egregious attacks” by Iran, raises “grave concerns at the Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure”, and demands that Iran “provide full, effective and prompt reparation to all victims for the damage and injury caused by its attacks”.
The war, which began on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has since expanded across the region, with no immediate signs of de-escalation despite parallel diplomatic efforts.