US Conducts Major Army Exercises in Mideast Amid Tensions with Iran
US Air Forces Central (AFCENT) stated on Tuesday that the “readiness exercise” is intended to showcase the rapid deployment and operational sustainment of combat aircraft. The operation is reportedly focused on testing procedures for moving personnel and jets to various “contingency locations” while coordinating command activities with unnamed “partner nations.”
“This is about upholding our commitment to maintaining combat-ready Airmen and the disciplined execution required to keep airpower available when and where it’s needed,” AFCENT commander Lieutenant General Derek France said.
The air operations are being conducted alongside a significant naval buildup. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by guided-missile destroyers, arrived in the region earlier this week.
Additional military assets, including F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, Patriot missile batteries, and THAAD air defense systems, have also been deployed to the Middle East.
“There’s another beautiful armada floating beautifully towards Iran right now,” Trump said on Tuesday, adding that he hopes Tehran will “make a deal.” He had earlier noted that the naval force near Iran is “larger than the one used in the Venezuelan operation.”
These deployments follow weeks of heightened tension, during which Trump reportedly considered ordering strikes to “punish” Tehran for its crackdown on violent anti-government protests. While no final decision has been made, an unnamed Gulf official told reports that Washington is evaluating precision strikes targeting Iranian officials and military commanders.
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