US media reported on Thursday that Washington is moving to strengthen its military presence in the Middle East following escalating threats directed at Iran.

The New York Times, citing US officials, said that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, along with several accompanying warships, is being redeployed from the South China Sea to the region and is expected to arrive within about a week.

The report added that the United States is also deploying additional defensive weapons and equipment, with fighter jets potentially to follow, as part of efforts to bolster military readiness amid growing regional tensions.