The United States stepped up preparations for possible military action against Iran last night as the regime pleaded for peace talks. Drones were deployed to survey Iran's defences, as another US ship entered the region and refuelling aircraft left bases in the mainland US for Europe. International diplomacy efforts were intensified last night in a bid to convince Iran to agreed to concessions. A US Navy MQ-4C drone was operating over the Gulf near the coast of Iran, according to flight-tracking data. Weeks ago Mr Trump appeared ready to order air strikes but changed his mind after appeals by Saudi Arabia.