Bunkers, missiles, and threats: Trump’s warning pushes US–Iran tensions | Explained | World News
The world may be on a weekend, but global attention is on the Middle East as tensions between the US and Iran escalate sharply. US President Donald Trump’s release of a statement described as a “declaration of war” against Iran triggered the fear that a military conflict could begin at any time.
In response, the Iranian leadership has threatened serious retaliation, raising the possibility of a direct conflict between the two countries.
International speculation is also increasing that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may face a situation similar to that of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, but this remains unclear. Multiple military and strategic indicators from land, sea and air contribute to fears of a major regional conflict.
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Key Signs of Ascension
The Trump administration directly warned Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signaling that negotiations are no longer an option and a conflict is currently being considered.
The US Carrier Strike Group has reached a position where direct attacks on Iran are possible.
Israel stated that it was ready for war, acting in coordination with the USA, both to participate in the attack and to defend against any retaliation from Iran.
Ayatollah Khamenei did not attend Friday prayers and reports indicate that he was moved to a safe shelter.
Iran’s military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have warned that any attack on Iran or its leader would result in a decisive war without a ceasefire.
Many Western countries have canceled flights to the Middle East due to fears of large-scale conflict.
Military Preparations and Strategy
US media reports suggest that any American attack would be targeted in order to prevent civilian casualties while focusing on Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure. The United States has deployed extensive military assets around Iran, engaging in what has been described as “full-spectrum strike readiness,” allowing for air, sea, and missile strikes without being deployed on the ground.
USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is now positioned within strike range. Experts say the first phase of any attack would likely involve Tomahawk cruise missiles, and more than 800 such missiles are reportedly available.
These missiles can hit targets 1,500 kilometers away and are designed to evade radar.
The strike group also includes the nuclear-powered submarines USS Georgia and USS South Dakota, which can launch Tomahawk missiles from underwater positions.
The US could deploy F-35 stealth fighters for initial strikes in the air, F-15E and F-16 jets for follow-up strikes, and A-10 aircraft for ground targets. Support aircraft such as P-8 Poseidon, MQ-4C Triton and KC-135/KC-46 refueling aircraft were also deployed.
According to analysts, the US plan consists of three stages: blinding Iran’s radar and communications systems, destroying its air defenses and key military and nuclear facilities, and finally weakening Iran’s naval power to control the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for about 20 percent of global oil supplies.
It is reported that the entire operation is planned to be completed within 72 hours in order to limit Iran’s ability to retaliate against US bases and Israel.
