The tension in the Middle East has reached a critical point. On the night of January 26, the aircraft carrier strike group with USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) entered the waters of the Persian Gulf, coming under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). These actions were accompanied by announcements of large-scale military exercises, which prompted a swift response from Iranian authorities: dozens of fighter jets were scrambled, and air defense systems were put on high alert. At the same time, reports emerged of the deployment of American THAAD missile defense systems to the region, enhancing the coalition's military presence.
The carrier group represents a powerful complex equipped with the latest F-35C and F/A-18 fighters. In addition to ground attack A-10C aircraft and support from the Israeli Air Force, this grouping is capable of delivering precision strikes at distances of up to 1,000 kilometers without the need for additional bases. Analysts emphasize that the current actions of the U.S. resemble the preparatory stages of recent operations in Venezuela, where the political regime of the country was eliminated with the help of the Delta Force special unit. Military experts consider two possible scenarios: either targeted destruction of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities and nuclear infrastructure in Iran, or massive attacks on pro-Iranian formations in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
Washington describes its maneuvers as a "deterrence" strategy, aiming to reassure its regional allies. The U.S. President emphasizes that a final decision on a military strike has not yet been made, but readiness for it is at its highest level. In response, Tehran warned that any provocation would be perceived as the beginning of a "full-scale war," adding that it is prepared to respond with severity, including attempts to sink American aircraft carriers and blockade key maritime routes. Despite the escalating situation, most international experts believe that a full-scale conflict is unlikely due to catastrophic consequences for the global economy and security; however, the accumulating military power in the region makes accidental escalation extremely probable.
