The US has deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group near Iran. This move raises the threat of a missile attack alongside Israeli forces. The US fleet, including guided-missile destroyers, is in striking range but not in final position. Tehran faces pressure for its crackdown on protests that have killed thousands. Inflation in Iran hit 60% last month, adding to public anger. Regional countries like the UAE refuse to allow their airspace or waters to be used for attacks on Iran. Over the weekend, the US conducted military exercises in the region to show combat readiness. The attack would target Iran's political leaders to stir more protests, not its nuclear program. Iran's security chief Ali Larijani said, "The US tactic is to first break public cohesion and only then carry out a military attack." Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denied talks of diplomacy with the US envoy and vowed, "We will give a comprehensive and regrettable response to any aggression." Iran’s chief justice also opposed returning to negotiations. Despite estimates of over 5,400 deaths, no clear consensus exists on protest casualties. The Iranian government denies ransom demands for bodies and limits internet access. On the European front, Italy plans to recommend labeling Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a banned group in the EU. The situation remains tense with no sign of peace soon.