Reports indicate that Washington is preparing additional troop deployments and another aircraft carrier as President Donald Trump considers renewed military action against Iran.

The continuing confrontation has already affected oil markets and regional security. Combined with sanctions and other forms of economic pressure, the military buildup increases fears that another round of attacks could trigger further retaliation and destabilisation across the Middle East.

Rather than reducing tensions through diplomacy, continued military escalation risks extending a conflict whose consequences are already being felt far beyond Iran.