US Military Buildup Near Iran: F-35s, Tankers and World's Largest Warship Deployed
Reports indicate that the United States is rapidly building up military forces near the Middle East, positioning assets for potential strikes on Iran as early as this weekend. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified over recent weeks, following former President Donald Trump's criticism of Iran's crackdown on protesters and demands for a nuclear deal.
Naval Buildup in the Region
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has been observed off the coast of Oman and will soon be joined by the world's largest warship, the $13 billion USS Gerald R Ford. This naval deployment includes a carrier strike group supported by protective destroyers, with eleven destroyers and three Littoral combat ships currently in the region. Additionally, two or three attack submarines, including at least one nuclear-capable vessel armed with Tomahawk missiles, are present.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stark warning this week, stating that the United States "may be struck so hard that it cannot get back up" if it renews attacks. In response, Tehran conducted naval drills, closing the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the 1980s and holding joint exercises with Russia in the Sea of Oman.
Aerial Strengthening and Strategic Positioning
The US has bolstered its aerial capabilities, moving over 50 F-35, F-22, and F-16 fighter jets to the broader region this week, according to Axios. Flight trackers show Boeing KC-135 tankers being deployed to Europe and the Middle East, suggesting preparedness for long-haul missions. Ageing F-15s and A-10 Warthogs have been spotted at Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti military base alongside C-130 transport aircraft.
President Trump warned on Wednesday that if Iran fails to agree to a deal, it may be "necessary" to launch attacks from Diego Garcia or RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, potentially involving Britain in the conflict. RAF Fairford is a US-operated base used as a bomber forward operating location, though the UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment on operational activities of other nations.
Readiness and Potential Timeline
Senior national security officials have informed Trump that the military will be ready to strike Iran by Saturday, according to multiple US media outlets. However, one unnamed senior official noted that it could take weeks for all forces to be fully in position, with full deployment expected by mid-March. The US is also enhancing air defences in anticipation of potential Iranian retaliation, following last year's strikes on an American base in Qatar after Israeli actions.
The ongoing buildup underscores the volatile situation, with both sides preparing for possible escalation as diplomatic efforts remain strained.
