US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with a “huge armada” sent towards the Persian Gulf.
"A huge armada is heading towards Iran. It is moving with speed, great power, enthusiasm, and purpose.
This is a larger fleet than the huge aircraft carrier sent to Venezuela.
This fleet, as was the case with Venezuela, is ready, eager, and capable of carrying out its mission with great speed and power if needed in connection with Iran. We hope that Iran will soon sit at the negotiating table for a fair, equitable, and denuclearized agreement that satisfies all parties.... Otherwise, the next attack will be worse! Do not let this happen again!", - the US President noted.
So, what is known about the "great armada" of US forces that could strike the Islamic Republic:
Modern.az, citing foreign media, reports that the “great armada" sent by the US towards Iran is led by the aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln". Its strike group is already in the Middle East and awaiting orders from command. According to the BBC, it took more than a week for Pentagon forces to reach the shores of Southeast Asia.
The exact location of the US fleet and air forces is not disclosed, but some sources have claimed that the “great armada" is located near Oman – in the Indian Ocean. It is currently believed to be approximately 800 kilometers from the Iranian coast.
The aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln" is essentially a floating airfield and can accommodate up to 90 aircraft and helicopters.
According to "Interfax", the American flagship currently carries three squadrons of F/A-18 fighter jets and one squadron of F-35C fifth-generation fighter jets. The carrier strike group also includes F-15 fighters.
In addition, the "great armada" includes auxiliary ships and three destroyers with launch systems for “Tomahawk” cruise missiles.
"The Jerusalem Post" clarified that the guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher, USS McFaul, and USS Roosevelt are also within the US Central Command's area of responsibility in the Middle East.
The "great armada" consisting of warships and aircraft is not the only US force in the region. According to open sources, the Americans have 8 military facilities near Iran, including Al Udeid Air and Naval Base in Qatar. The Pentagon has also provided more than 10 temporary military bases housing 40,000-50,000 troops.
Strategic bomber aircraft are believed to be prepared to attack Iran.
Foreign media reports that since January 26, US Central Command has been conducting multi-day exercises in its area of responsibility, from North Africa to Southeast Asia.
Predictions regarding a US strike on the Islamic Republic vary. Global media indicates a timeframe for the attack – by the end of the week. Observers, political scientists, and military experts admit that their predictions could be wrong, as the decision to strike rests with US President Donald Trump, known for his unpredictability.
The American leader has been threatening the Iranian authorities since the first days of the new year. On social media, the White House chief had promised assistance to protesters in the Islamic Republic and threatened to attack the country's leadership if they were killed.
When the "great armada" arrived in the Middle East, Trump stated that Tehran was ready to compromise and intended to reach an agreement with Washington.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the Islamic Republic has repeatedly emphasized that it will respond to any possible US aggression.
A.Qorxmaz
