Ynet, a news website in Israel, reported that a U.S. 'Navy destroyer docked in the Israeli port Eilat on Friday. The military was cited. Tensions between Washington, D.C. and Iran are escalating.

Ynet reported that the arrival of a destroyer near Israel's border with Egypt and Jordan at the southern port of the Gulf of Aqaba was pre-planned as part of ongoing collaboration between the U.S. and Israeli militaries.

The Israeli military didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment.

As Washington sent additional military assets into the Middle East, President Donald Trump indicated that he would be open to "talks" with Iran.

The U.S. military was told by a U.S. defense official that they could not discuss details of operations for'security reasons', and that the safety of the servicemen was their top priority.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth claimed that the U.S. Military was

Prepare to carry out

Whatever the President decides.

Trump warned Iran that if it did not return to nuclear negotiations, the U.S. would take far more severe action. Tehran, on the other hand, has threatened to retaliate against the United States and its allies if an attack were to occur.

Trump has also stated that the U.S. is sending an "armada", but he expressed his hope it wouldn't be used.

Israel's Chief General Staff stated last week that Israel was preparing for various scenarios and was constantly improving its capabilities.

Admiral Brad Cooper is the commander of the U.S. Central Command. He visited Israel in the last week. The Israeli military claimed that the trip was to deepen strategic ties between the two countries and strengthen defence cooperation. Reporting by Jana Choukeir from Dubai, Rami ayyub in Jerusalem and Pesha Magid in Dubai; Editing and production by Alison Williams & Gareth Jones

(source: Reuters)