U.S. Military Encirclement of Iran Nearly Complete as Trump Refuses to Discuss Iran Plans
US Forces Massing Around Iran: Walla reports a dramatic increase in US military assets surrounding Iran, including dozens of F-15s and the USS Abraham Lincoln. The buildup in Jordan and the Indian Ocean suggests offensive preparations are underway.
Walla reports that the United States military is close to completing a massive "encirclement" of Iran ahead of a potential large-scale strike against the regime, with dozens of fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and heavy bombers positioning themselves around the Islamic Republic.
In the western zone, dozens of F-15 fighter jets designed for striking ground targets are concentrating in Jordan.
To the east, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is operating in the Arabian Sea-Gulf region with stealth strike capabilities (F-35s) and electronic warfare systems, backed by numerous escort vessels carrying long-range destructive firepower.
In the southern zone, foreign media report increased activity of transport aircraft and equipment heading to Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, typically used for launching heavy B-52 or B-2 bombers.
A security source said coordination with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is daily and expected to tighten in coming days to improve intelligence, build early warning systems against missile and drone threats, and fine-tune air and sea force movements.
Recent days have seen a surge of foreign reports about massive American military buildup inside Jordan, appearing to be preparation for a strike on Iran or significant deterrence to protect the Hashemite Kingdom, as reported by Walla today (Thursday).
Following reports in Arabic media, dozens of F-15E aircraft recently landed at a military base in northern Jordan on a direct flight from Britain. The scale of aircraft suggests not just defensive positioning, but offensive preparation as well. Additionally, refueling aircraft and strategic transport planes have been documented landing, transferring large amounts of technical equipment and various munitions.
Before tensions with Iran escalated, Jordan served the U.S. military as a counter-terrorism training center (focused on ISIS). Now Jordan, bordering Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, is effectively becoming a "land-based aircraft carrier" for the U.S. military, allowing relatively short access for operations against Iran.
The choice of Jordan also provides safety distance from Iranian missiles, meaning warning time is expected to be adequate, unlike American bases in Qatar and Bahrain, where forces have begun thinning out due to fears of Iranian attack.