“A decision on a possible ground operation in Iran will be made next week,” Axios reported, citing a US official. The sources stated that the Pentagon is working to develop military options for a "knockout strike" in Iran that may include the use of ground forces and a large-scale bombing campaign.  The website pointed out that "US President Donald Trump has not yet made a decision about pursuing any of these scenarios, but he is prepared to escalate if the talks with Iran do not yield tangible results soon." He stated that squadrons of fighter planes and thousands of soldiers will arrive in the Middle East in the coming days and weeks. These moves are particularly important because the potential for major military escalation will increase if no progress is made in diplomatic talks, especially if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.