The figures vary from as few as 3,000 according to the regime in Tehran to over 32,000 reported by President Donald Trump.

From the perspective of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, accepting such terms could appear more dangerous than risking a limited war with the United States under President Donald Trump. A military confrontation, however costly, may be seen as survivable. Total strategic rollback may not.

Iran and the United States are sliding rapidly towards military conflict as hopes fade for a diplomatic solution to their standoff over Tehran’s nuclear programme, officials on both sides and diplomats across the Gulf and Europe say.

On Friday, Trump said he is weighing the possibility of a limited strike on Iran after ordering a significant naval buildup in West Asia to increase pressure on Tehran to reach an agreement curbing it

In Tehran’s view, this is not just about forcing Iran back into nuclear compliance; it is about permanently altering the strategic equation that allowed it to strike Israel directly for the first time and suffer minimal consequences.

The Iranian naval drill and the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier near the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea underscore the tensions between the nations.

As the United States continues a significant military buildup in the Middle East, Iran has taken steps to signal its readiness for war, including fortifying its nuclear sites and rebuilding missile production facilities.