Media: US navy destroyer docks in Israel's port of Eilat

A U.S. Navy destroyer has arrived at Israel’s southern port of Eilat amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, Ynet reported, citing the military.

The Gulf of Aqaba port is located near Israel’s borders with Egypt and Jordan.

The warship’s arrival was planned in advance and is part of ongoing military cooperation between the United States and Israel, rather than a sudden move triggered solely by the current crisis.

The deployment comes as U.S. President Donald Trump indicated openness to talks with Iran while simultaneously signalling that military options remain on the table.

President Trump has urged Iran to return to negotiations regarding its nuclear programme. He warned that if Iran refuses, it could face much harsher action from the United States. In response, Iran has threatened retaliation against the U.S., Israel, and their allies.

Trump also said the United States has an “armada” heading toward Iran, though he added that he hopes military force will not ultimately be necessary.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth stated that the U.S. armed forces are fully prepared. He said the military is “prepared to carry out whatever course of action the president decides.”

A U.S. defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that operational details could not be shared for security reasons, adding that the safety of American service members remains the top priority.

The deployment highlights Washington’s approach of balancing diplomacy with a visible military presence in the Middle East, amid concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional tensions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev