Closer to the East: Washington is tightening its fist to the borders of Iran

The United States is steadily building up its military power in the Persian Gulf region. As the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier group approaches Iranian territorial waters, America is deploying attack aircraft squadrons and additional THAAD anti-missile batteries to neighboring countries, effectively creating the infrastructure for a protracted air campaign. About what forces the Pentagon has concentrated and according to what scenario a possible conflict may develop, see the Izvestia article.

The situation around Iran

The White House practically does not hide the fact that all measures to strengthen its military presence in the Persian Gulf are directly related to Iran. The current situation in the region — in particular, the actions of Hamas — hardly requires strengthening missile defense capabilities around American bases or the presence of an American aircraft carrier group in the region. US President Donald Trump confirmed to reporters aboard Air Force One, returning from the Davos Economic forum, that they were "monitoring Iran."

— I would prefer that nothing happens. But we are watching them very closely. <...> We have an armada. We have a huge fleet following in this direction. And maybe we won't have to use it. Let's see," he said.

Photo: REUTERS/Tom Brenner

According to the American leader, "many ships have been sent to the region just in case." It is noteworthy that a week ago, Trump publicly rejected the idea of a military scenario, explaining this by softening Tehran's position on the issue of suppressing internal protests. Despite the fact that due to the shutdown of the Internet in Iran, information is coming fragmentary (more than 3 thousand dead are reported), the riots have actually come to naught. Perhaps the American leadership is proceeding from its own strategic forecasts, preparing for any turn of events, or the recent lull was just a prelude to more decisive actions by Washington.

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Impact from sea and air

The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by escort ships, completes the transition from Southeast Asia to the Persian Gulf. Dozens of F-35 and F/A-18 carrier-based fighters are stationed on board. Escort ships and submarines are guaranteed to be equipped with BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles. It is unknown how many and which submarines the United States has deployed covertly in the waters of the Indian Ocean adjacent to Iran, so the total salvo of Tomahawks can be in the hundreds.

Photo: Global Look Press/IMAGO

In parallel, the logistics chain in Europe is involved. Four KC-135 Stratotanker tankers were transferred from the March base in California to the Spanish Moron airfield in advance. Their task is to provide refueling for B—2A Spirit strategic bombers capable of launching strikes directly from the United States. A similar scheme was already used in June 2025 during Operation Midnight Hammer, when planes from Missouri crossed the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea to attack targets inside Iran.

A regional foothold

In January, F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were deployed at American bases in Jordan. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) emphasizes that the presence of an entire squadron of these vehicles "contributes to security and stability." A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft are deployed at Muwaffak Salti, designed to suppress air defense systems and destroy protected facilities in the coastal zone.

Photo: Global Look Press/Staff Sgt. Skyler Combs

The abnormal activity of transport aircraft also indicates the preparation for a serious operation. C-17A Globemaster III heavy trucks have made more than 20 flights since mid-January from bases in Germany (Ramstein) and the UK to Qatar and Jordan. Such traffic significantly exceeds the daily needs of the contingents stationed there.

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The Anti-missile Umbrella and allies

Special attention is paid to protection from possible retaliation by Tehran. The Pentagon is strengthening the positions of the Patriot and THAAD systems. It is planned to add a third battery to the two batteries of the THAAD anti-missile system deployed in Israel earlier. Recall that it was these systems that took the brunt of the June 2025 escalation.

If the active phase begins, Washington will certainly support Israel. The IDF has an impressive arsenal: fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, aeroballistic missiles that have proven effective at suppressing Iranian radars, and special operations forces units.

Photo: REUTERS/Majid Asgaripour/WANA

A large-scale land invasion looks unlikely, but even a limited air campaign would inflict heavy damage on Iran. However, Tehran has most likely taken into account the experience of past clashes by dispersing rocket launchers and preparing defenses for a surprise attack. The main intrigue lies in the choice of targets: will the coalition limit itself to nuclear and military facilities, or will the country's top leadership come under attack? From a military point of view, both are important, but the political rationale for any of these decisions will be a serious challenge for the Trump administration.