Diplomacy for now, but US prepared to strike tonight if needed, officials say

Diplomacy is happening behind the scenes right now to ease tensions in the US-Iran conflict, according to a US official.

The US has been deliberately striking and then pausing to avoid escalation and let diplomacy work, the official said. It is maintaining a target list as leverage.

Multiple officials told CNN there were preparations for potential US strikes if needed tonight, but they are currently letting diplomacy take the lead.

Earlier today, on the USS Abraham Lincoln stationed in the Arabian Sea, crews loaded up fighter jets with armaments and pilots practiced drills in preparation for any potential strikes.

The aircraft carrier’s captain told the thousands of crew members on board that things were heating up and they should maintain readiness, as they always do. While preparing for potential strikes, fighter pilots also carried out routine defensive operations, with flights taking off throughout the day and night.

US officials said Iranian claims that there had already been more US strikes tonight were inaccurate. However, the situation is dynamic and strikes could resume if needed, they added.