A US 'air bridge' of warplanes across the Atlantic and Mediterranean has put Iran on short notice amidst fragile nuclear negotiations.

Protesters have gathered on the Greek island of Crete following the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier that is part of a major buildup of American forces in the Middle East.

The Pentagon is building up the largest force of American warships and aircraft in the Middle East in decades.

The carrier has had mechanical problems throughout its eight-month deployment, but officials now say it is ready for battle.