US Conducts Major Army Exercises in Mideast

(MENAFN) The United States has launched extensive, multi-day military exercises across the Middle East, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s announcement of additional naval deployments, further intensifying the standoff with Tehran.

As stated by reports, US Air Forces Central (AFCENT) described the “readiness exercise” as a demonstration of the rapid deployment and sustainment of combat aircraft. The drills aim to test procedures for distributing personnel and jets to multiple “contingency locations” while coordinating operations 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,” said AFCENT commander Lieutenant General Derek France.

The aerial maneuvers are accompanied by a significant naval buildup. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, escorted by guided-missile destroyers, arrived in the region earlier this week. Additional F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, Patriot missile batteries, and THAAD air defense systems have also been deployed to the area.
“There’s another beautiful armada floating beautifully towards Iran right now,” Trump remarked on Tuesday, adding that he hopes Tehran will “make a deal.” He previously stated that this naval force is larger than the one used in the Venezuelan operation.

These movements come after weeks of heightened tensions, during which Trump reportedly came close to ordering strikes to “punish” Tehran over its crackdown on violent anti-government protests. While a final decision has not been made, an unnamed Gulf official told reports that Washington is considering precision strikes targeting Iranian officials and military leaders.

Iran has responded with stern warnings against “any miscalculations.” Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani asserted that Tehran is “fully prepared” for war, cautioning that a US attack would trigger a “swift and comprehensive” response. These statements echo earlier declarations from Iranian military commanders, who warned that their forces have their “finger on the trigger.”

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