NewsWorld newsMiddle East warEXCLUSIVE: Donald Trump, the US President, must make the choice between a ten-day peace proposal or all-out war — as squadrons of extra fighter bombers are deployed to the Middle East16:18, 21 Jul 2026Updated 20:19, 21 Jul 2026Scores of extra warplanes have been deployed to the Middle East as President Trump considers a full-scale war on Iran.‌It is believed the President is pivoting more towards the warfare option and is losing patience with the Iranians, while he believes US military strength can force them back to negotiations. The Mirror understands several US planes were seen departing from an airbase in the UK.‌US Central Command yesterday released a video showing strike launches. Sources told us Israel is likely to join in any full-assault on Iran, with the possibility of a temporary ground incursion on to Iran’s Kharg Island, to guard the Strait of Hormuz.‌One security source even said a limited ground operation on Kharg Island was a likely scenario, and that Iran has been preparing for it. The Mirror has also learned that Mr Trump is likely to frame any escalation as essential to destroy remaining nuclear material that Iran has hidden.Another source, in the UK, said: “Israeli intelligence estimates reviewed by the US indicate that Iran transferred thousands of uranium enrichment centrifuges into tunnels beneath Pickaxe Mountain last year after the initial 12-day war.‌“It is very difficult to get munitions to penetrate deep enough to destroy it.“The building of this complex was started in 2020 as back-up in case of all-out war and the Iranians needed to store its nuclear material.”Mr Trump has already announced: “Pickaxe Mountain is a possible target for a nice big fat shot right through the front door.”‌But there are fears among US military insiders that an extended war in Iran cannot be sustained – they point out that America has already hugely depleted its stocks of missiles and other material.Some of the reinforcement warplanes are still carrying Operation Epic Fury insignia, relics from the previous action against Iran just a few months ago.Article continues belowIraq are preparing air defences as the pro-Iranian Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it will attack if America steps up its air campaign.Several hundred UK troops are believed to be based in northern Iraq, where the RAF Regiment has positioned personnel armed with the Rapid Sentry air defence system.At one stage after the war broke out in February this year UK forces were bringing down almost 30 missiles and drones every day in northern Iraq.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Middle EastDonald TrumpIranIraqMiddle East warUnited States