India, Jan. 30 -- The risk of a direct military confrontation between the United States and Iran appears to be growing, with President Donald Trump declaring that Washington is "ready, willing, and able" to strike Tehran if necessary.

Iran has responded with equally forceful rhetoric, warning that any US attack would be met with a "crushing response."

Iranian military officials have made it clear that retaliation would likely target American military installations across West Asia, where tens of thousands of US troops are stationed.

Tehran's army spokesperson has cautioned that numerous US bases fall within the range of Iran's medium-range missile capabilities.

American forces across West Asia operate under the US military's Central C...