US Ready to Strike Iran Amid Diplomatic Talks

ILLUSTRATION PHOTO/USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

JAKARTA - Diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway behind the scenes to ease tensions in the US-Iran conflict.

US officials said the megastar deliberately carried out the attack and then stopped it temporarily to avoid escalation and give room for diplomacy to run. The US also maintains a list of targets as a bargaining tool.

Several officials told CNN on Thursday, July 9, preparations for a possible US attack had been made if necessary. However, at this time they are prioritizing the diplomatic track.

On board the USS Abraham Lincoln, which was stationed in the Arabian Sea on Thursday, the crew loaded weapons onto fighter planes and pilots conducted exercises in preparation for a possible attack.

The carrier commander told thousands of crew members that the situation was heating up and they had to remain on alert, as usual.

While preparing for a possible attack, fighter pilots also carried out routine defense operations, with flights taking place throughout the day and night.

US officials said Iran's latest claim of a follow-up attack by the US on Thursday was inaccurate. However, they said the situation was evolving dynamically and attacks could be launched again if necessary.