US deploys Patriot and THAAD air defenses near Iran — The Economist

Transport aircraft and refueling planes have also been deployed to the region. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which previously left the South China Sea, is likely currently in the Gulf of Oman. Its air wing and escort destroyers are now in the potential strike zone.

The deployment of forces also affected combat aviation: several F-15E aircraft arrived from British bases. According to Flightradar24 and ADS-B Exchange, C-17A Globemaster III military transport aircraft delivered cargo from Robert Gray Army Airfield, which is associated with the 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment inFort Cavazos.

Over a period of three days, six flights were made to Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and one to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

According to The Economist, US President Donald Trump has probably not yet made a final decision on a possible strike. At the same time, in informal conversations, representatives of the Persian Gulf countries suggest a high probability of a large-scale US military operation focused on Iran's political leadership.

Background

According to many media reports, the United States is considering a series of strikes against Iran amid mass protests in the Asian country.

At the same time, Trump previously stated that Iran wants to make a new deal. This happened against the backdrop of the arrival of an American aircraft carrier group in the region and discussions in the White House about possible military strikes.

He also officially warned the Ayatollah regime of his readiness to take extremely harsh measures if the executions of protesters continue.

In addition, the American leader called for the dismantling of the current regime and stressed the need for a change in the country's leadership. To back up his words, Trump ordered a large naval flotilla to be sent to the region.