Donald Trump has armed a squadron of kamikaze drones as nuclear negotiations with Iran have collapsed and the prospect of war with Tehran looms.
The Pentagon has approved the deployment of an experimental U.S. military drone unit capable of self-detonation, known as Task Force Scorpion, according to Bloomberg.
The deadly drone unit is a part of Trump's massive military build-up in the Middle East - the largest since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
It comes after diplomatic negotiations between American and Iranian officials collapsed on Thursday in Geneva amid disputes over the Islamic regime's nuclear program.
The latest round of talks ended without a deal as both sides remained divided over key issues, including ending uranium enrichment, and dismantling Iran's nuclear facilities, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are leading the American delegation as the President makes one last push for a diplomatic solution to avoid military conflict with Iran.
The Kamikaze drone unit was successful tested in the Arabian Gulf in December and reportedly cost approximately $35,000 per drone. The drones would likely be used to target Iranian nuclear facilities, road networks, and missile launch sites.
'We established the squadron last year to rapidly equip our warfighters with new combat drone capabilities that continue to evolve,' said US Central Command spokesman Tim Hawkins.
Diplomatic negotiations between American and Iranian officials collapsed on Thursday in Geneva amid disputes over the Islamic regime's nuclear program
Trump's new aerial weapons have 'an extensive range and are designed to operate autonomously'
The Kamikaze drone unit was successful tested in the Arabian Gulf in December and reportedly cost approximately $35,000 per drone
The drones, which are produced in Arizona, are designed for one-way attacks, reconnaissance operations and maritime strikes.
Trump's new aerial weapons have 'an extensive range and are designed to operate autonomously.'
The new advanced drones stand ready as Trump promises to strike Iran if diplomatic talks fail.
Trump said in his State of the Union address that he wants to strike a deal with the Ayatollah guaranteeing Tehran will never develop a nuclear bomb, but warned he is prepared for war if diplomacy fails.
The US has also sent advanced F-22 Raptor fighter jets to Israel on standby for deployment.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi is helping facilitate talks between the US and Iran by relaying messages between both sides. Moreover, US and Iranian negotiators are also engaging each other directly, Axios reports.
Iranian diplomats reportedly opened the negotiations by presenting their draft proposal for a nuclear deal. It is unclear if that proposal addresses the key concerns of the US delegation.
During the break, the Omani foreign minister told reporters that 'we've been exchanging creative and positive ideas' and 'hope to make more progress.'
Trump has sent Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to lead talks with Iranian diplomats
As Trump gives diplomacy one last chance with Iran, reports have emerged that the President's closest advisers are split on whether to strike Iran.
Vice President JD Vance and DNI Director Tulsi Gabbard have reportedly urged Trump to pursue diplomacy rather than launch a strike against Iran.
Others in Trump's orbit, including Senator Lindsey Graham, are advising him to launch a joint military operation with Israel aimed at overthrowing the Ayatollah's regime.
Gulf nation allies, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have lobbied the White House to focus on negotiations over fears an Iranian streak could lead to a wider regional war.
Reports have also emerged suggesting Trump’s top military advisers have yet to provide firm assurances that a strike on Iran could be carried out without risking American casualties.
