Largest US military gathering in the Middle East since 2003

Amid the ongoing Cold War tensions between Iran and the United States, the US military has assembled its largest air force in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, dozens of warplanes, including state-of-the-art F-35 Lightning and F-22 Raptor stealth fighters, have already been stationed at the Muwafaq Salti airbase in Jordan and the Prince Sultan airbase in Saudi Arabia. This huge military fleet, which is awaiting final approval from President Donald Trump, is ready to launch a devastating attack on Iran at any moment.

In addition to air power, the United States has also consolidated its position at sea. There are currently 13 warships, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, deployed in the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, the second aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is moving towards the region with its own strike group.

Military analysts say that the Trump administration is not going to launch a single strike like Operation Midnight Hammer in June, but rather a sustained air war that will last for weeks.

However, even amid these military preparations, there is some uncertainty about President Trump’s final decision. According to White House sources, Trump is personally considering various arguments for and against the attack and consulting with allies. There is still no clear outline on whether the attack will be limited to Iran’s nuclear and missile installations, or whether it will seek to change the regime in Tehran.

Meanwhile, despite reports of some progress in indirect talks between the two countries in Geneva, both sides remain steadfast in their basic positions.

In response, Iran has also put its vast missile arsenal and regional proxy forces on alert. Tehran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, known as the lifeline of the global economy, if attacked.

According to former US military officials, the main purpose of this massive show of force may be to force Iran to come to a tough deal. President Trump warned reporters on Monday (February 16) that he did not think they (Iran) were prepared to face the consequences of not making a deal.

Source: NDTV.