U.S. President Donald Trump has again raised the prospect of military pressure on Iran, saying Washington is closely monitoring unrest in the country and that a ‘massive’ U.S. naval presence is moving toward the region.
Iran has recently been shaken by widespread protests triggered by economic hardship and a collapsing currency, which authorities say escalated into violent unrest fueled by foreign interference and armed groups.
Tehran claims more than 3,000 people have been killed, including of heavily armed ‘terrorists’, and has accused the United States and Israel of backing destabilising efforts.
Trump, who has repeatedly warned Iran of potential military consequences and told protesters that “help is on its way,” appeared to soften his stance last weekend before striking a more forceful tone again on Friday.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said the US had “a massive fleet” heading toward the area as a precaution, adding he hoped it would not be used.
While the Pentagon has not formally confirmed the deployment, media reports indicate the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has been repositioned from the South China Sea to the Middle East via the Indian Ocean, alongside reports of increased US military aircraft movements to regional bases.
Worst kept secret. If you strike because your plan of taking advantage of protests got snuffed out, it will all be on you. Everybody knows this.
Iran have said multiple times the gloves will be off this time. They have also likely recieved new air defense systems from China and Russia on the transport planes seen arriving in country.
Whatever happens if you attack is on the Trump administration
US Navy ships are sitting ducks in this age of drones and hypersonic missiles. They had to back off the Red Sea a few months ago because even the Houthis could take them out. If Trump uses them against Iran we are going to witness the biggest case of FAFO in the history of mankind.
Captain Pukewash and his merry band of cut throats, might just get a missile or two in the port hole. Iran is not Venezuela, me hearty’s,