US Reaches Strike-Ready Posture with Two Carrier Strike Groups and B-2 Bombers as Iran Conducts Rocket Launches and Joint Naval Drills with Russia
The United Kingdom has not granted permission for the US to use Diego Garcia or RAF Fairford for any strike on Iran, citing concerns over international law.
MIDDLE EAST — The United States has positioned naval and air assets in the Middle East at a level enabling potential strikes on Iranian targets as soon as this weekend, according to administration and Pentagon officials.
Trump Opposes UK-Mauritius Diego Garcia Lease, Cites Potential Need for Iran Contingency Operations
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group operates in the Arabian Sea, the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group transits from the Caribbean, and dozens of F-35, F-22, and F-16 fighters have deployed to regional bases alongside B-2 bombers on heightened alert.
Iran responded the same day by issuing a NOTAM restricting southern airspace for rocket launches and beginning joint naval exercises with Russia in the Sea of Oman and northern Indian Ocean. These actions occur as indirect nuclear talks continue, with the US stating diplomacy remains the preferred path while warning that Iran would be very wise to reach a deal.
Satellite imagery shows Iran accelerating protective work at key military and nuclear-linked sites. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged Polish citizens in Iran to depart immediately, warning that evacuation could soon become impossible.
The United Kingdom has not granted permission for the US to use Diego Garcia or RAF Fairford for any strike on Iran, citing concerns over international law.
