US Launches Massive Aerial Drill in Middle East as Iran Unveils "Drone Carrier" | WATCH
Following the reinforcement of American forces in the region, CENTCOM has initiated an "operational readiness exercise" to test rapid deployment capabilities. Meanwhile, Tehran signals readiness for "total war," and Turkey prepares a buffer zone for a potential wave of refugees.
Tensions in the Middle East have reached a critical new level as the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the launch of a comprehensive aerial exercise across the region. The move comes immediately following the arrival of significant American naval reinforcements, including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group.
According to CENTCOM, the "operational readiness exercise" will span several days and is designed to demonstrate the US military's ability to "deploy, disperse, and sustain combat air power" throughout the theater. Forces will be deployed to various emergency contingency sites with the approval of host nations.
"Our airmen are proving they can operate and execute sorties in challenging conditions, with safety, precision, and in coordination with our partners," said Lt. Gen. Derek France, Commander of US Air Forces Central. "This is about maintaining our commitment to keep airmen combat-ready and ensuring air power is available whenever and wherever it is needed."
The arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by destroyers equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of striking targets 2,500 km away, has heightened fears in the region that an American strike may be imminent.
Iran and Proxies Prepare for "Total War"
In a direct response to the American buildup, Iran has escalated its own military signaling. State-affiliated media released footage of the Shahid Bagheri, a vessel designated as a "drone carrier," with officials stating that unmanned aerial vehicles are stationed on board and "ready to respond to any attack on the country."
The rhetoric from Tehran’s proxies has also intensified. In Iraq, the pro-Iranian militia Kata'ib Hezbollah issued a call to "prepare for total war," pledging to support Iran by any means necessary.
Images circulated overnight showing the militia’s Secretary-General, Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, signing a pledge to fight alongside Iran. Recruitment centers in Baghdad were reportedly processing volunteers committing to "defend Iran," with al-Hamidawi warning enemies that a war against the Islamic Republic "will not be a picnic."
Turkey Prepares for Regime Collapse
While military posturing dominates the headlines, neighboring Turkey is quietly preparing for the potential fallout of a major conflict, specifically, the collapse of the Iranian regime.
According to reports from the Turkish Foreign Ministry to parliament, Ankara is bracing for a massive wave of migration should the Iranian government fall. During a closed session of the Foreign Affairs Committee, officials outlined plans to establish a "buffer zone" to ensure any refugees remain on the Iranian side of the border.
"We are preparing for every scenario, with plans A, B, and C," officials reportedly stated.
Turkey has already fortified its 560-kilometer border with Iran, installing a high-tech system of electro-optical towers, a modular concrete wall, and defensive trenches to manage potential instability.