[G Larry]

IF you’re trying to send a message, why not issue a direct order for the move?

[Smokin' Joe]

Issue a direct order, and that becomes something that would not be well received by the world (prepositioning nukes to attack another country).

Having them show up at the jumping off point for the Middle East during developing hostilities is a not-so-subtle reminder that they can be delivered any time, without an issuing an overt threat that becomes a political hot potato.