N. Prabhakaran Dubai: Dragging the world back into the fear of war, American warships and fighter jets are lining up around Iran. Following...
N. Prabhakaran
Dubai: Dragging the world back into the fear of war, American warships and fighter jets are lining up around Iran. Following the crackdown on domestic protests in Iran, a strong military deployment and high-level threats persist in the region.
On January 22, 2026, President Donald Trump confirmed that a massive fleet of US warships is moving toward the Persian Gulf. The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is relocating from the Indian Ocean to the Middle East. This fleet includes an air wing featuring F-35C stealth fighters and three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Within a week, the US deployed three squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagles to Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-16s are stationed in the region. To defend against potential Iranian counterattacks, the US has moved more Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems to Qatar, Jordan, and Israel.
The current tensions were triggered by intense anti-government protests that began in Iran in late 2025. Trump had warned protesters that "help will arrive soon" and that the US is ready. Though he later claimed there would be no attack, his actions are once again proving that his words should not be taken lightly.
Observers believe that if an attack occurs, it will likely be a limited, precision-targeted strike rather than a full-scale invasion. The primary targets would likely be IRGC command centers that assist in suppressing protesters. Nuclear sites, missile bases, and military installations could also be targeted, along with high-ranking Iranian officials.
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| Iran's indigenously built "Arman" air defense system and Sayyad-3 missiles (Photo released Feb 17, 2024). |
Tehran warned that any military intervention by the US or Israel would lead to a regional war. Iran stated that if neighboring countries (Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey) provide their soil for a US attack, American military bases in those nations will become targets.
There is also a lingering fear that Iran might blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil transit route, which would cause global oil prices to skyrocket.
Pressure Tactics or War?
Some believe the current situation is part of a "maximum pressure" strategy to force the Iranian government back to peace talks and stop the violence. On January 22 in Davos, Trump indicated that he "wants to avoid unpleasant incidents," suggesting a final decision on military action may not have been made. Countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia are holding talks to avoid a direct confrontation that would destabilize the Middle East. However, given Trump's unpredictable nature, many remain skeptical.
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| Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 9 on the USS Abraham Lincoln during an aerial exercise over the Pacific Ocean. |
USS Abraham Lincoln: This massive aircraft carrier and its three-destroyer escort left Malaysia and are moving through the Indian Ocean toward the West Asian coast. It is expected to reach the Gulf within 48 to 72 hours.
"We have a large fleet heading that way. We might not have to use it, but we are watching Iran very closely," Trump stated on January 23.
Iran's Readiness
In response to US movements, General Mohammad Pakpur, head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, stated that their "finger is on the trigger." Pro-Iranian media reports suggest that Fateh-110 missiles could be aimed at US bases, including Al Udeid in Qatar.
At Qatar's request, the UK has sent Typhoon fighter jets to the country, which is seen as indirect support for the US.
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| Road blockade during protests in Tehran, January 9, 2026 |
Economic Sanctions
Beyond military maneuvers, the US is moving to cripple Iran economically. On January 23, the US imposed sanctions on nine ships and their owners used for transporting Iranian oil, including companies based in India, the UAE, and Oman. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused Iran of using oil revenue to suppress protesters.
Meanwhile, human rights organizations reported that the death toll in the Iranian protest crackdowns has reached 5,002, including 43 children. However, unofficial reports suggest the actual number could be between 20,000 and 30,000. Trump claimed that, following US threats, Iran postponed the execution of 837 protesters at the last minute-a claim Iran has denied.
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