The U.S. military has bolstered its presence across the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran, as nuclear talks were thrown into uncertainty Wednesday before being moved to Oman. U.S. and Iranian officials had been expected to meet Friday in Istanbul, with several Middle Eastern countries participating as observers.

US Iran tensions: Tensions between Tehran and Washington escalated after US President Donald Trump called for a regime change in the nation, particularly after the nationwide protests.

The weekend brings fresh Iran sanctions and risks of a U.S. move against Tehran.

USS Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

"People are extremely angry," a former official said, adding a US attack could lead Iranians to rise up again. "The wall of fear has collapsed. There is no fear left."

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group has crossed into Central Command, the Middle East region that includes Iran.

If President Donald Trump does make the decision to strike Iran, these air defense deployments will give him more options and greater leeway than he had two weeks ago.