Israel Bombs Tehran
Today, 1:52 am
CherokeeDeathRose13 wrote:
I think there's too much propaganda on the internet and not enough critical thinking.
I agree. And unfortunately, it's not an even amount on both sides. The amount of muddying of the waters makes it fairly difficult at times to have an informed view.
That being said, the Israelis are pretty clearly in the wrong and have regularly been posting stuff that shows them to be committing crimes against humanity in a way that's really unusual. Most of the time, there's at least some effort made to hide the crimes.
Today, 2:43 am
TwilightPrincess wrote:
^ To me, it looks like whataboutism. This thread is about Israel bombing Tehran. I talked about genocide because I thought it would be a good idea to clarify a comment on that topic by citing sources. A thread on “genocide Olympics” might be more appropriate for PPR.
Ok fine, I know you flipped it back to the thread because you didn't want to answer the question I posed.
Today, 2:52 am
Analysts have said that Iran could produce enough fissile material for a weapon in a few months. Others say they could produce such material in just a week or two.
In December 2024, Head of the UN Nuclear body, Grossi told Reuters that Tehran was “dramatically” ramping up uranium enrichment to up to 60 percent, close to the roughly 90 percent weapons-grade threshold. By February 2025, U.S. intelligence indicated that a covert team of scientists in Iran was orchestrating a faster, though cruder, approach to creating an atomic weapon.
https://www.cfr.org/article/what-are-ir ... pabilities
Many foreign policy experts warn that a nuclear-armed Iran would be an acute threat to Israel and pose a major challenge to the interests of the United States and its partners in the Middle East. Some regional analysts fear that a nuclear-armed Iran would likely be emboldened to pursue a more aggressive foreign policy.
I can see the urgency in why Israel acted upon this intelligence.
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Today, 5:50 am
Iran’s Supreme Leader Says ‘The Battle Begins’ After Trump Demands ‘Unconditional Surrender’
Quote:
ran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a warning to Israel in a social media post early on Wednesday, saying “the battle begins,” a few hours after President Donald Trump directly threatened him and demanded an “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER,” fueling speculation about U.S. military involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.
In a statement on his main X handle, Khamenei said, “In the name of Haidar, the battle begins.”
The Iranian leader followed that up with a post on his official English language account saying: “We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime...We will show the Zionists no mercy.”
Aerial attacks from both sides continued early on Wednesday as the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Iran has launched more than 400 missiles and hundreds of drones since Friday.
White House officials told multiple outlets that Trump spoke with Netanyahu on Tuesday after a meeting with national security advisors.
Unnamed U.S. officials cited by Axios said that Trump was seriously considering entering the conflict by launching strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities.
Trump warned on Truth Social earlier Tuesday: “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” referring to Khamenei, who is increasingly isolated after Israel assassinated several of his top generals.
Trump said Khamenei is “safe” and “we are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” but said “our patience is wearing thin.”
In a earlier post Trump, said: “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran...Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American made, conceived, and manufactured stuff. Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA.” In a third post Tuesday morning, Trump called for an “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” Trump has also warned Iran against targeting U.S. personnel or assets, saying if that happens “we’ll come down so hard, it’d be gloves off...I think they know not to touch our troops.”
In a statement on his main X handle, Khamenei said, “In the name of Haidar, the battle begins.”
The Iranian leader followed that up with a post on his official English language account saying: “We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime...We will show the Zionists no mercy.”
Aerial attacks from both sides continued early on Wednesday as the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Iran has launched more than 400 missiles and hundreds of drones since Friday.
White House officials told multiple outlets that Trump spoke with Netanyahu on Tuesday after a meeting with national security advisors.
Unnamed U.S. officials cited by Axios said that Trump was seriously considering entering the conflict by launching strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities.
Trump warned on Truth Social earlier Tuesday: “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” referring to Khamenei, who is increasingly isolated after Israel assassinated several of his top generals.
Trump said Khamenei is “safe” and “we are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” but said “our patience is wearing thin.”
In a earlier post Trump, said: “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran...Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American made, conceived, and manufactured stuff. Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA.” In a third post Tuesday morning, Trump called for an “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” Trump has also warned Iran against targeting U.S. personnel or assets, saying if that happens “we’ll come down so hard, it’d be gloves off...I think they know not to touch our troops.”
Israel running low on Arrow interceptors, US burning through its systems too – WSJ
Quote:
Israel is running low on defensive “Arrow” missile interceptors, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing an unnamed US official.
The shortage has raised concerns about the country’s ability to continue to counter long-range ballistic missiles from Iran, the report said.
Since Israel launched its shock operation on Friday to remove the “existential threat” of the Iranian nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities, the Islamic Republic has retaliated by launching more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel.
According to the Journal report, the US has known about the shortage of Arrow interceptors for months, and has been working to bolster Israel’s air defenses accordingly.
But those stocks are limited, too. Having dispatched many to Israel, “there is now concern about the US burning through interceptors as well,” the newspaper said.
A report in The Washington Post Tuesday cited a person briefed on US and Israeli intelligence, who said that, according to “some assessments,” Israel can maintain its air defense for 10-12 days at the current rate of Iranian attacks — which have lessened since the start of the fighting last week — before it will require the US to replenish its stocks or get more involved in the war.
The source also said that already by later this week, Israel “will need to select what they want to intercept,” adding: “The system is already overwhelmed.”
Israel already chooses to allow some missiles to fall, when it knows they will land in open areas. However, when faced with large barrages, it has been unable to shoot down all missiles headed to population centers or critical infrastructure.
There was no Israeli comment on the reports. The Israel Defense Forces told the Journal that it is “prepared and ready to handle any scenario” but could not comment on munitions matters.
Most Iranian missiles fired at Israel in recent days have been intercepted, at similar rates to those seen during Iran’s attacks in April and October of 2024, according to the IDF.
No Israelis were killed in those attacks, though an Israeli girl was injured in April, and a Palestinian man in the West Bank was killed in October, by falling pieces of intercepted missiles.
However, unlike in the Iranian barrages in 2024, which mostly targeted the sprawling Nevatim airbase in the Negev Desert — a sparsely populated area — the latest barrages have focused on dense population centers, meaning the few missiles that are not intercepted are more likely to cause harm.
Israel is running low on defensive “Arrow” missile interceptors, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing an unnamed US official.
The shortage has raised concerns about the country’s ability to continue to counter long-range ballistic missiles from Iran, the report said.
Since Israel launched its shock operation on Friday to remove the “existential threat” of the Iranian nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities, the Islamic Republic has retaliated by launching more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel.
So far, 24 people have been killed in Israel and more than 500 wounded.
According to the Journal report, the US has known about the shortage of Arrow interceptors for months, and has been working to bolster Israel’s air defenses accordingly.
A report in The Washington Post Tuesday cited a person briefed on US and Israeli intelligence, who said that, according to “some assessments,” Israel can maintain its air defense for 10-12 days at the current rate of Iranian attacks — which have lessened since the start of the fighting last week — before it will require the US to replenish its stocks or get more involved in the war.
The source also said that already by later this week, Israel “will need to select what they want to intercept,” adding: “The system is already overwhelmed.”
Israel already chooses to allow some missiles to fall, when it knows they will land in open areas. However, when faced with large barrages, it has been unable to shoot down all missiles headed to population centers or critical infrastructure.
There was no Israeli comment on the reports. The Israel Defense Forces told the Journal that it is “prepared and ready to handle any scenario” but could not comment on munitions matters.
There has been no indication from Israel of any shortage of interceptors.
Most Iranian missiles fired at Israel in recent days have been intercepted, at similar rates to those seen during Iran’s attacks in April and October of 2024, according to the IDF.
No Israelis were killed in those attacks, though an Israeli girl was injured in April, and a Palestinian man in the West Bank was killed in October, by falling pieces of intercepted missiles.
However, unlike in the Iranian barrages in 2024, which mostly targeted the sprawling Nevatim airbase in the Negev Desert — a sparsely populated area — the latest barrages have focused on dense population centers, meaning the few missiles that are not intercepted are more likely to cause harm.
The IDF planned its operation in Iran months in advance, and claims to have accurate intelligence on Tehran’s ballistic missile stockpiles
The military said Tuesday that some 40 percent of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers have been destroyed so far in the operation.
The Arrow system is not the only defensive measure being used against Iran’s missiles.
The US has both ground-based Patriot missile defense systems and Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) systems in the Middle East capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. US Navy destroyers have also shot down projectiles.
Aside from the US, Israel’s allies in the region are not capable of shooting down ballistic missiles, which have a short flight time of around 10 minutes and are challenging to intercept, requiring advanced air defense systems.
The shortage has raised concerns about the country’s ability to continue to counter long-range ballistic missiles from Iran, the report said.
Since Israel launched its shock operation on Friday to remove the “existential threat” of the Iranian nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities, the Islamic Republic has retaliated by launching more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel.
According to the Journal report, the US has known about the shortage of Arrow interceptors for months, and has been working to bolster Israel’s air defenses accordingly.
But those stocks are limited, too. Having dispatched many to Israel, “there is now concern about the US burning through interceptors as well,” the newspaper said.
A report in The Washington Post Tuesday cited a person briefed on US and Israeli intelligence, who said that, according to “some assessments,” Israel can maintain its air defense for 10-12 days at the current rate of Iranian attacks — which have lessened since the start of the fighting last week — before it will require the US to replenish its stocks or get more involved in the war.
The source also said that already by later this week, Israel “will need to select what they want to intercept,” adding: “The system is already overwhelmed.”
Israel already chooses to allow some missiles to fall, when it knows they will land in open areas. However, when faced with large barrages, it has been unable to shoot down all missiles headed to population centers or critical infrastructure.
There was no Israeli comment on the reports. The Israel Defense Forces told the Journal that it is “prepared and ready to handle any scenario” but could not comment on munitions matters.
Most Iranian missiles fired at Israel in recent days have been intercepted, at similar rates to those seen during Iran’s attacks in April and October of 2024, according to the IDF.
No Israelis were killed in those attacks, though an Israeli girl was injured in April, and a Palestinian man in the West Bank was killed in October, by falling pieces of intercepted missiles.
However, unlike in the Iranian barrages in 2024, which mostly targeted the sprawling Nevatim airbase in the Negev Desert — a sparsely populated area — the latest barrages have focused on dense population centers, meaning the few missiles that are not intercepted are more likely to cause harm.
Israel is running low on defensive “Arrow” missile interceptors, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing an unnamed US official.
The shortage has raised concerns about the country’s ability to continue to counter long-range ballistic missiles from Iran, the report said.
Since Israel launched its shock operation on Friday to remove the “existential threat” of the Iranian nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities, the Islamic Republic has retaliated by launching more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel.
So far, 24 people have been killed in Israel and more than 500 wounded.
According to the Journal report, the US has known about the shortage of Arrow interceptors for months, and has been working to bolster Israel’s air defenses accordingly.
A report in The Washington Post Tuesday cited a person briefed on US and Israeli intelligence, who said that, according to “some assessments,” Israel can maintain its air defense for 10-12 days at the current rate of Iranian attacks — which have lessened since the start of the fighting last week — before it will require the US to replenish its stocks or get more involved in the war.
The source also said that already by later this week, Israel “will need to select what they want to intercept,” adding: “The system is already overwhelmed.”
Israel already chooses to allow some missiles to fall, when it knows they will land in open areas. However, when faced with large barrages, it has been unable to shoot down all missiles headed to population centers or critical infrastructure.
There was no Israeli comment on the reports. The Israel Defense Forces told the Journal that it is “prepared and ready to handle any scenario” but could not comment on munitions matters.
There has been no indication from Israel of any shortage of interceptors.
Most Iranian missiles fired at Israel in recent days have been intercepted, at similar rates to those seen during Iran’s attacks in April and October of 2024, according to the IDF.
No Israelis were killed in those attacks, though an Israeli girl was injured in April, and a Palestinian man in the West Bank was killed in October, by falling pieces of intercepted missiles.
However, unlike in the Iranian barrages in 2024, which mostly targeted the sprawling Nevatim airbase in the Negev Desert — a sparsely populated area — the latest barrages have focused on dense population centers, meaning the few missiles that are not intercepted are more likely to cause harm.
The IDF planned its operation in Iran months in advance, and claims to have accurate intelligence on Tehran’s ballistic missile stockpiles
The military said Tuesday that some 40 percent of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers have been destroyed so far in the operation.
The Arrow system is not the only defensive measure being used against Iran’s missiles.
The US has both ground-based Patriot missile defense systems and Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) systems in the Middle East capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. US Navy destroyers have also shot down projectiles.
Aside from the US, Israel’s allies in the region are not capable of shooting down ballistic missiles, which have a short flight time of around 10 minutes and are challenging to intercept, requiring advanced air defense systems.
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Today, 6:09 am
cyberdora wrote:
Analysts have said that Iran could produce enough fissile material for a weapon in a few months. Others say they could produce such material in just a week or two.
In December 2024, Head of the UN Nuclear body, Grossi told Reuters that Tehran was “dramatically” ramping up uranium enrichment to up to 60 percent, close to the roughly 90 percent weapons-grade threshold. By February 2025, U.S. intelligence indicated that a covert team of scientists in Iran was orchestrating a faster, though cruder, approach to creating an atomic weapon.
https://www.cfr.org/article/what-are-ir ... pabilities
Many foreign policy experts warn that a nuclear-armed Iran would be an acute threat to Israel and pose a major challenge to the interests of the United States and its partners in the Middle East. Some regional analysts fear that a nuclear-armed Iran would likely be emboldened to pursue a more aggressive foreign policy.
I can see the urgency in why Israel acted upon this intelligence.
In December 2024, Head of the UN Nuclear body, Grossi told Reuters that Tehran was “dramatically” ramping up uranium enrichment to up to 60 percent, close to the roughly 90 percent weapons-grade threshold. By February 2025, U.S. intelligence indicated that a covert team of scientists in Iran was orchestrating a faster, though cruder, approach to creating an atomic weapon.
https://www.cfr.org/article/what-are-ir ... pabilities
Many foreign policy experts warn that a nuclear-armed Iran would be an acute threat to Israel and pose a major challenge to the interests of the United States and its partners in the Middle East. Some regional analysts fear that a nuclear-armed Iran would likely be emboldened to pursue a more aggressive foreign policy.
I can see the urgency in why Israel acted upon this intelligence.
Israel's been claiming Iran is two weeks away from having nukes since Dubya was in office.
It takes a Charlie Brown level of gullibility to believe them at this point.
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If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing. —Malcolm X
Real power is achieved when the ruling class controls the material essentials of life, granting and withholding them from the masses as if they were privileges.—George Orwell
Today, 8:28 am
cyberdora wrote:
TwilightPrincess wrote:
^ To me, it looks like whataboutism. This thread is about Israel bombing Tehran. I talked about genocide because I thought it would be a good idea to clarify a comment on that topic by citing sources. A thread on “genocide Olympics” might be more appropriate for PPR.
Ok fine, I know you flipped it back to the thread because you didn't want to answer the question I posed._________________
“Les grandes personnes ne comprennent jamais rien toutes seules, et c'est fatigant, pour les enfants, de toujours et toujours leur donner des explications.”
— Le Petit Prince
Today, 9:12 am
cyberdora wrote:
Analysts have said that Iran could produce enough fissile material for a weapon in a few months. Others say they could produce such material in just a week or two.
In December 2024, Head of the UN Nuclear body, Grossi told Reuters that Tehran was “dramatically” ramping up uranium enrichment to up to 60 percent, close to the roughly 90 percent weapons-grade threshold. By February 2025, U.S. intelligence indicated that a covert team of scientists in Iran was orchestrating a faster, though cruder, approach to creating an atomic weapon.
https://www.cfr.org/article/what-are-ir ... pabilities
Many foreign policy experts warn that a nuclear-armed Iran would be an acute threat to Israel and pose a major challenge to the interests of the United States and its partners in the Middle East. Some regional analysts fear that a nuclear-armed Iran would likely be emboldened to pursue a more aggressive foreign policy.
I can see the urgency in why Israel acted upon this intelligence.
In December 2024, Head of the UN Nuclear body, Grossi told Reuters that Tehran was “dramatically” ramping up uranium enrichment to up to 60 percent, close to the roughly 90 percent weapons-grade threshold. By February 2025, U.S. intelligence indicated that a covert team of scientists in Iran was orchestrating a faster, though cruder, approach to creating an atomic weapon.
https://www.cfr.org/article/what-are-ir ... pabilities
Many foreign policy experts warn that a nuclear-armed Iran would be an acute threat to Israel and pose a major challenge to the interests of the United States and its partners in the Middle East. Some regional analysts fear that a nuclear-armed Iran would likely be emboldened to pursue a more aggressive foreign policy.
I can see the urgency in why Israel acted upon this intelligence.
None of that is actually true. So, Israel gets to have illegal nukes, but Iran can't? If they get nukes it's going to be because people like you helped Israel get away with it. It should scare the crap out of you that the war criminals running Israel have nukes.
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Today, 12:28 pm
MatchboxVagabond wrote:
kokopelli wrote:
I don't see it as a good guys vs bad guys thing. It seems to be more of a bad guys vs bad guys.
Because of the 1967 Israeli attack on the USS Liberty, I have had a rather low opinion of Israel.
That said, I have a far lower opinion of Hamas and consider them to be far scummier than Israel.
There was absolutely no legitimate excuse for the Hamas attack of Oct 7, 2023. To excuse those in any way is a clear support of the rape, torture, and murder of women and children. By committing those attacks, Hamas deserves everything Israel might do to them.
Because of the 1967 Israeli attack on the USS Liberty, I have had a rather low opinion of Israel.
That said, I have a far lower opinion of Hamas and consider them to be far scummier than Israel.
There was absolutely no legitimate excuse for the Hamas attack of Oct 7, 2023. To excuse those in any way is a clear support of the rape, torture, and murder of women and children. By committing those attacks, Hamas deserves everything Israel might do to them.
The Iranians are not bad people. They're a people that have been pushed into a corner due to meddling by the US and foreign interests. .
Actually, probably half of the Iranian people are extremely opressed; the regime on the other hand is the embodiment of pure evil, Bibi is as evil but at least not so toward his own people.
The Iranian Green Movement portests and the Mahsa Amini protests were big events; the latter didn't get much attention in the international media for long, especially in the way it got crushed.
Both waves of protests got crushed brutally.
I will distribute Baklava in the streets the moment the Iranian regime falls, regarless of how or by who.
Today, 1:19 pm
The_Face_of_Boo wrote:
MatchboxVagabond wrote:
kokopelli wrote:
I don't see it as a good guys vs bad guys thing. It seems to be more of a bad guys vs bad guys.
Because of the 1967 Israeli attack on the USS Liberty, I have had a rather low opinion of Israel.
That said, I have a far lower opinion of Hamas and consider them to be far scummier than Israel.
There was absolutely no legitimate excuse for the Hamas attack of Oct 7, 2023. To excuse those in any way is a clear support of the rape, torture, and murder of women and children. By committing those attacks, Hamas deserves everything Israel might do to them.
Because of the 1967 Israeli attack on the USS Liberty, I have had a rather low opinion of Israel.
That said, I have a far lower opinion of Hamas and consider them to be far scummier than Israel.
There was absolutely no legitimate excuse for the Hamas attack of Oct 7, 2023. To excuse those in any way is a clear support of the rape, torture, and murder of women and children. By committing those attacks, Hamas deserves everything Israel might do to them.
The Iranians are not bad people. They're a people that have been pushed into a corner due to meddling by the US and foreign interests. .
Actually, probably half of the Iranian people are extremely opressed; the regime on the other hand is the embodiment of pure evil, Bibi is as evil but at least not so toward his own people.
The Iranian Green Movement portests and the Mahsa Amini protests were big events; the latter didn't get much attention in the international media for long, especially in the way it got crushed.
Both waves of protests got crushed brutally.
I will distribute Baklava in the streets the moment the Iranian regime falls, regarless of how or by who.
Please don't assume that I think the Iranian government is good, but keep in mind that it is I haven't experienced Iran, but I have lived in less democratic places, I don't know how any progress is made there by making it easier for the regime to blame outsiders for interfering.
Today, 5:14 pm
TwilightPrincess wrote:
cyberdora wrote:
TwilightPrincess wrote:
^ To me, it looks like whataboutism. This thread is about Israel bombing Tehran. I talked about genocide because I thought it would be a good idea to clarify a comment on that topic by citing sources. A thread on “genocide Olympics” might be more appropriate for PPR.
Ok fine, I know you flipped it back to the thread because you didn't want to answer the question I posed.to be fair you were focusing on Israel's alleged genocide when this thread is about Iran. Shall I quote Mathew 7: 3-5 ?
Today, 5:32 pm
MatchboxVagabond wrote:
None of that is actually true. So, Israel gets to have illegal nukes, but Iran can't? If they get nukes it's going to be because people like you helped Israel get away with it. It should scare the crap out of you that the war criminals running Israel have nukes.
Israel has acted on some type of intelligence.
- spies in Iran (we know the regime has been busy executing people)
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... s?from=mdr
- in addition Mossad has access to CIA intelligence gathering using spy satellites
Both Israel and the US have pinpointed accurately location of underground sites
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/20 ... w-isfahan/
Iran's urgency to create nuclear weapons and their role in Oct 7 is presenting a serious risk, not just to Israel but involving dragging their allies Russia and China into a world war. It's terribly easy to be an armchair ethicist and scoff at the claims Iran pose a risk to the safety of the world and blame Israel. However history has taught both the Americans and Israelis that inaction leads to catastrophe (Lockerbie, 9-11 etc)...
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Today, 5:33 pm
Full List of U.S. Military Deployments That Point to War With Iran
Quote:
he U.S. State Department has begun evacuating nonessential diplomats and their families from the U.S. Embassy in Israel, as hostilities between Israel and Iran intensify. The move comes amid growing concerns that the United States could become directly involved in the conflict.
What to Know:
A government plane evacuated diplomats and family members who requested to leave on Wednesday, according to two U.S. officials, per The Associated Press.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee later announced that the embassy is arranging evacuation flights and cruise ships for private American citizens.
The State Department confirmed that personnel are departing through various means under the embassy's authorized departure status.
Israel and Iran have closed their airspaces, making evacuation efforts more challenging for foreign nationals.
Concerns grow over potential U.S. military involvement, as President Donald Trump weighs options on Iran's nuclear program.
What to Know:
A government plane evacuated diplomats and family members who requested to leave on Wednesday, according to two U.S. officials, per The Associated Press.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee later announced that the embassy is arranging evacuation flights and cruise ships for private American citizens.
The State Department confirmed that personnel are departing through various means under the embassy's authorized departure status.
Israel and Iran have closed their airspaces, making evacuation efforts more challenging for foreign nationals.
Concerns grow over potential U.S. military involvement, as President Donald Trump weighs options on Iran's nuclear program.
Full List of U.S. Military Deployments That Point to War With Iran
Quote:
Scrutiny is mounting over a potential U.S. role in the Israel-Iran conflict. After denying involvement in Israel's first strikes on strategic sites across Iran, the U.S. has adopted a tougher tone towards Tehran and has bolstered military deployment in the Middle East.
Commenting on the deployments, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said they aimed to enhancing the United States defensive postures in the region.
Below is a full list that Newsweek has been able to assemble of U.S. naval and aerial military assets in or heading to the region, according to officials, multiple open-intelligence analysts, tracking data, media and defense outlets.
Fighter Aircraft
The U.S. military is increasing its air power in the Middle East with the deployment of more F-16s, F-22s and F-35 fighter jets and extending current warplane missions, three U.S. officials told Reuters.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a highly adaptable fighter aircraft used extensively by the United States and its allies. The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II represent a newer generation of stealth combat aircraft developed for complex operational needs.
Tanker Aircraft
U.S. aerial refueling aircraft are on their way to the Middle East as the war between Israel and Iran escalates, according to flight data tracking sources. These would be needed for any sustained operations over Iran.
This includes KC-135R Stratotankers, the U.S. Air Force's primary aerial refueling aircraft. It also includes KC-46A Pegasus tankers, the next-generation aerial refueling tanker.
U.S. officials said the tankers may join a NATO exercise in Europe. The State Department told diplomats to assure hosts the tankers are not backing Israeli air operations in Iran.
Bombers at Diego Garcia
The United States has been building up its bomber force at the Indian Ocean island base of Diego Garcia. These could be used in any strikes on Iran's nuclear sites with bunker buster munitions that Israel does not possess.
Satellite images analysed by Newsweek have shown increasing deployments in recent weeks.
B-2 Spirit stealth bombers can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, including bunker-busting bombs designed to target deep underground facilities. B-52H Stratofortress Bombers, known for their long-range strike capabilities.
Warfare Support Vessels
U.S. Navy vessels have departed the key Manama port in Bahrain, according to satellite imagery, currently underway in the U.S. Central Command area of operations.
Vessels in the region include littoral combat ships, fast, agile, and networked surface vessels designed for operations close to shore and mine countermeasure vessels, to neutralize mines using advanced sonar systems.
There is also the M/V Ocean Trader, a special operations mothership supporting U.S. forces.
Carrier Groups
Aircraft carrier strike groups provide mobile firepower when required in their own right and support of other operational units. One carrier group is currently in the Middle East and another is on the way.
The USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group has recently been operating in the Arabian Sea with an air wing consisting of F-35C Lightning IIs, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, CMV-22 Ospreys and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks.
It took part in weeks of air strikes against the Yemeni-based Houthis, an Iranian-backed militia, before a ceasefire was reached early last month.
The USS Nimitz carrier group is now in transit from the Western Pacific toward the Middle East and was recently in Southeast Asia. Its airwing includes F/A-18C/E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes, C-2A Greyhounds and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks.
Missile Defenses
Patriot missile defense units were moved in April by the U.S. military from the Pacific region to the Middle East. The full battalion of air‑defense gear—flew in 73 C‑17 cargo plane trips.
The Patriot system is widely regarded as a leading ground-based air defense platform, known for its ability to intercept advanced threats, including certain types of hypersonic missiles.
"Doomsday Plane"
The U.S. Air Force "Doomsday Plane," a wartime command and control aircraft for the president, flew over the United States on Tuesday and remained trackable throughout, per Flightradar24 data.
The move signals a show of force rather than direct operation in the Middle East.
The E-4B "Nightwatch," a militarized Boeing 747, serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and key command link for the President, Defense Secretary, and Joint Chiefs.
In a national emergency or loss of ground command, it ensures survivable control to direct forces, execute war orders, and coordinate civil response. It was used during the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Commenting on the deployments, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said they aimed to enhancing the United States defensive postures in the region.
Below is a full list that Newsweek has been able to assemble of U.S. naval and aerial military assets in or heading to the region, according to officials, multiple open-intelligence analysts, tracking data, media and defense outlets.
Fighter Aircraft
The U.S. military is increasing its air power in the Middle East with the deployment of more F-16s, F-22s and F-35 fighter jets and extending current warplane missions, three U.S. officials told Reuters.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a highly adaptable fighter aircraft used extensively by the United States and its allies. The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II represent a newer generation of stealth combat aircraft developed for complex operational needs.
Tanker Aircraft
U.S. aerial refueling aircraft are on their way to the Middle East as the war between Israel and Iran escalates, according to flight data tracking sources. These would be needed for any sustained operations over Iran.
This includes KC-135R Stratotankers, the U.S. Air Force's primary aerial refueling aircraft. It also includes KC-46A Pegasus tankers, the next-generation aerial refueling tanker.
U.S. officials said the tankers may join a NATO exercise in Europe. The State Department told diplomats to assure hosts the tankers are not backing Israeli air operations in Iran.
Bombers at Diego Garcia
The United States has been building up its bomber force at the Indian Ocean island base of Diego Garcia. These could be used in any strikes on Iran's nuclear sites with bunker buster munitions that Israel does not possess.
Satellite images analysed by Newsweek have shown increasing deployments in recent weeks.
B-2 Spirit stealth bombers can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, including bunker-busting bombs designed to target deep underground facilities. B-52H Stratofortress Bombers, known for their long-range strike capabilities.
Warfare Support Vessels
U.S. Navy vessels have departed the key Manama port in Bahrain, according to satellite imagery, currently underway in the U.S. Central Command area of operations.
Vessels in the region include littoral combat ships, fast, agile, and networked surface vessels designed for operations close to shore and mine countermeasure vessels, to neutralize mines using advanced sonar systems.
There is also the M/V Ocean Trader, a special operations mothership supporting U.S. forces.
Carrier Groups
Aircraft carrier strike groups provide mobile firepower when required in their own right and support of other operational units. One carrier group is currently in the Middle East and another is on the way.
The USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group has recently been operating in the Arabian Sea with an air wing consisting of F-35C Lightning IIs, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, CMV-22 Ospreys and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks.
It took part in weeks of air strikes against the Yemeni-based Houthis, an Iranian-backed militia, before a ceasefire was reached early last month.
The USS Nimitz carrier group is now in transit from the Western Pacific toward the Middle East and was recently in Southeast Asia. Its airwing includes F/A-18C/E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes, C-2A Greyhounds and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks.
Missile Defenses
Patriot missile defense units were moved in April by the U.S. military from the Pacific region to the Middle East. The full battalion of air‑defense gear—flew in 73 C‑17 cargo plane trips.
The Patriot system is widely regarded as a leading ground-based air defense platform, known for its ability to intercept advanced threats, including certain types of hypersonic missiles.
"Doomsday Plane"
The U.S. Air Force "Doomsday Plane," a wartime command and control aircraft for the president, flew over the United States on Tuesday and remained trackable throughout, per Flightradar24 data.
The move signals a show of force rather than direct operation in the Middle East.
The E-4B "Nightwatch," a militarized Boeing 747, serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and key command link for the President, Defense Secretary, and Joint Chiefs.
In a national emergency or loss of ground command, it ensures survivable control to direct forces, execute war orders, and coordinate civil response. It was used during the September 11, 2001 attacks.
I guess it's time to worry about possible sleeper cells Iran could activate.
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Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity.
“My autism is not a superpower. It also isn’t some kind of god-forsaken, endless fountain of suffering inflicted on my family. It’s just part of who I am as a person”. - Sara Luterman
Today, 5:43 pm
The_Face_of_Boo wrote:
The Iranians are not bad people. They're a people that have been pushed into a corner due to meddling by the US and foreign interests. .
[/quote]Iranian people (like Indian people) are culturally far more progressive and modern than other middle eastern and central Asian societies who are largely backward, feudal and tribal.
Unfortunately luck hasn't been on their side. they put their trust in the Shah of Iran, a corrupt autocrat who formented rebellion leading to a power vaccuum filled by extremist clerics. Again blaming America takes away personal responsibility for bad decisions in putting their trust in bad leaders.
Today, 5:46 pm
cyberdora wrote:
TwilightPrincess wrote:
^ To me, it looks like whataboutism. This thread is about Israel bombing Tehran. I talked about genocide because I thought it would be a good idea to clarify a comment on that topic by citing sources. A thread on “genocide Olympics” might be more appropriate for PPR.
Ok fine, I know you flipped it back to the thread because you didn't want to answer the question I posed.TwilightPrincess wrote:
cyberdora wrote:
Now you appear to be baiting me. “Genocide Olympics” is a huge topic. Engaging with those specific posts would’ve led to a long, off-topic exchange that has nothing to do with the subject in the title of this thread. I realize that you seem to prefer getting discussions off-topic rather than start your own threads, but if it’s something you want to talk about, a designated thread would likely lead to better results and contributions from more people. Just something to consider.
to be fair you were focusing on Israel's alleged genocide when this thread is about Iran. Shall I quote Mathew 7: 3-5 ?Not really the same thing.
I wasn’t posing a series of questions centered around disparate locations necessitating an involved response, which would’ve certainly led to a discussion/debate and which would’ve been worth it’s own thread. I was responding to the claim that referring to the conflict in Gaza as genocide was propaganda by providing reputable sources demonstrating that it’s not. It was important to do so in the interest of facts.
Quoting the Bible as some sort of authority isn’t likely to impress a nonbeliever all that much. Also, it’s not applicable here.
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“Les grandes personnes ne comprennent jamais rien toutes seules, et c'est fatigant, pour les enfants, de toujours et toujours leur donner des explications.”
— Le Petit Prince
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