The United States has sent numerous military aircraft and resources to bases located in or near the Middle East. President Donald Trump hinted at potential strikes against Iran starting within ten days if an agreement regarding its nuclear program is not achieved. The two nations are currently engaged in indirect discussions in Switzerland.
During the initial meeting of his Board of Peace organization, Trump mentioned the possibility of escalating actions if negotiations fail. The CBC’s visual investigations team monitored flight and maritime data along with satellite images to monitor the military buildup.
In the maritime domain, two of the U.S. navy’s 11 active carrier groups, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying destroyers, are operating in the Arabian Sea near Oman. Satellite images from the European Space Agency’s Copernicus Sentinel-2 show the carrier’s presence in the region.
Additional warships are active in various locations such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the eastern Mediterranean, as reported by USNI News. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is reportedly en route to the eastern Mediterranean, with local sources confirming its transit through the Strait of Gibraltar.
Furthermore, U.S. military flights have been observed using flight-tracking software ADS-B Exchange, showing movements of tanker, transport, and surveillance assets from the U.S. to bases in Europe and the Middle East. Notable locations include Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Crete in Greece, Rota in Spain, and Sofia in Bulgaria. A P-8 maritime surveillance plane was detected active near Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.
Satellite footage reveals an increase in combat and military aircraft at various bases in the region, notably at Al Udeid air base in Qatar and Muwaffaq Salti air base in Jordan.
According to Rosemary Kelanic, the director of the Middle East program at Defence Priorities, the U.S. preparations indicate readiness for a potential prolonged conflict. She expressed concerns about the administration’s approach, emphasizing the lack of caution and due diligence.
Last year, the U.S. participated in the Twelve-Day War initiated by Israel, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities using B-2 bombers. Repair and reconstruction efforts have been observed at sites like Natanz and Isfahan complexes following these strikes.
Iran has reported positive progress in nuclear talks held in Geneva, denying intentions to develop nuclear weapons. The country has also conducted military exercises, including missile tests and naval maneuvers in the Strait of Hormuz involving Russian forces.