The United States has recently positioned numerous military aircraft and assets in bases located in or near the Middle East. President Donald Trump hinted at potential strikes against Iran starting within 10 days if negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program do not materialize. The two nations are currently engaged in indirect talks in Switzerland.
During the inaugural meeting of his Peace Board organization, Trump mentioned the possibility of escalating actions if the discussions break down. The CBC’s visual investigations team has monitored the military buildup by analyzing flight and maritime data along with satellite images.
In the naval domain, two of the U.S. navy’s 11 active carrier groups are either stationed in the region or en route. The USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by its escort destroyers, is currently operating in the Arabian Sea close to Oman after being deployed in late January. Satellite imagery from the European Space Agency’s Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite has captured the carrier’s presence in the area.
Furthermore, reports confirm that the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is heading towards the eastern Mediterranean region. Various warships are actively patrolling the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the eastern Mediterranean.
In terms of aerial activities, extensive U.S. military flights have been observed using the flight-tracking software ADS-B Exchange. Multiple tanker, transport, and surveillance assets have been tracked moving from the continental United States to bases in Europe and the Middle East. Notably, there has been significant air traffic to and from Ramstein Air Base in Germany, as well as landings in Crete, Greece, Rota, Spain, and Sofia, Bulgaria.
Moreover, Reuters’ satellite footage has revealed an increase in combat and military aircraft visibility at bases in the region. Bases like Al Udeid in Qatar and Muwaffaq Salti in Jordan have witnessed a surge in aircraft presence.
Rosemary Kelanic, the director of the Middle East program at Defence Priorities, expressed concerns about the U.S.’s preparations, suggesting that they indicate readiness for a potential prolonged conflict. Last year, the U.S. participated in the Twelve-Day War, which involved strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities using B-2 bombers. Satellite images have shown ongoing repair and reconstruction efforts at various Iranian nuclear and military sites.
In a contrasting stance, Iran’s leadership has reported positive advancements in the nuclear talks held in Geneva, Switzerland, denying any intention to develop nuclear weapons. Additionally, Iran has conducted military exercises, including missile tests and naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz, which also involved Russian forces.