Mideast allies including Turkey, Oman and Qatar are attempting to head off the possibility of U.S. strikes by brokering diplomatic talks.

Iran’s status as a threshold state has been a choice of strategic restraint. But when, in June 2025, Israel and the U.S struck Iran’s nuclear facilities, that attack – and the latest Trump threats – sent a clear message that threshold status provides no reliable security.

Iran vowed Thursday to conduct live-fire military drills in one of the world's most vital sea passages -- which sees 20% of the globe's oil transports -- next week, just two days after the US announced it would hold its own military exercises in the region.

There are currently around 35,000 U.S. troops in the Middle East.

Türkiye is set to propose acting as a mediator between Washington and Tehran during a visit by Iran's top diplomat on Friday, according to

At a White House cabinet meeting on Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon was ready for any order by President Trump amid tensions with Iran. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more.

The president advised Iran make a deal or "the next attack will be far worse."