Two aircraft carrier battle groups are within striking range of Iraq. About 5,000 personnel and 75 warplanes are stationed aboard each carrier. Each vessel is accompanied by half a dozen cruisers, destroyers and nuclear submarines.

Five amphibious assault ships carrying a force of about 4,000 Marines are on their way to the Gulf.

The British aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal is due to pass through the region en route to the Far East.