U.S. READY FOR MORE ATTACKS

Tensions flare up after Iranian drone downed

- BY CHRIS HUGHES

TENSIONS are growing across the Middle East amid fears rogue elements of Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could launch followup strikes on the US carrier fleet in the Arabian Sea.

It comes despite attempts by America and Iran to agree on a meeting on Friday to discuss an Iranian nuclear programme climb down and lifting sanctions on Tehran.

The peace talk plans emerged after the huge US carrier strike force parked 500 miles off Iran shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone heading for the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Sources say US President Donald Trump has demanded military attack plans ranging from quick and decisive strikes below the threshold for war to devastating waves of missiles.

But it is believed he has been advised an attack that does not risk a long-term conflict does not exist.

Iran's regime fears US strikes could further embolden domestic protests.

Conflict risks spreading into the wider region and US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi are expected to meet in Muscat, Oman.

Meanwhile, the USS Abraham Lincoln is on high alert for strike orders against nuclear, IRGC, regime or other targets as behind-the-scenes deescalation talks hit the buffers.