US Prepares Possible Strikes on Iran Amid Ongoing Diplomacy

US officials disclosed to CNN early Friday that preparations had been underway for potential strikes on Iran on Thursday night, but these plans were abandoned in favor of diplomatic channels.

The officials reported that earlier on Thursday, crews aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier had supplied fighter jets with equipment.

They added that pilots conducted training exercises anticipating possible deployment for strikes, with the carrier's commander, Dan Keller, informing thousands of crew members about escalating tensions.

During these preparations, fighter pilots maintained routine defensive operations, with aircraft conducting continuous air patrols around the clock.

An earlier source told the network that diplomatic efforts with Iran continued behind the scenes despite renewed attacks between the two sides and President Trump's statement the previous day declaring the memorandum of understanding with Iran "over."

Washington and Tehran are working toward reaching a nuclear agreement by mid-August.

Technical negotiations between the US and Iran on the nuclear issue remain ongoing.