politics
February 20, 2026
US forces move to Middle East, preparations for strike: escalation around Iran
According to sources, the Pentagon is increasing its military presence in the region by sending additional ships, air defense systems and submarines
TL;DR
- The US is deploying the largest aviation group to the Middle East since 2003.
- Reports indicate the US military presence is increasing with additional ships, air defense systems, and submarines.
- There are concerns about the sufficiency of US air defense systems in the Middle East for a large-scale operation against Iran.
- Strategic bombers and tanker aircraft have been placed on high alert, and a second aircraft carrier group is heading towards Iran.
- American military bases in the Middle East are considered insufficiently protected against a potential Iranian retaliatory strike.
- Israel is on high alert and prepared for defensive and offensive actions.
- The probability of a US military operation against Iran in the coming weeks is estimated at 90%.
- An operation is envisioned as a joint American-Israeli campaign lasting several weeks.
- Russia and the European Commission have expressed concerns about the escalation and called for peaceful solutions.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency has proposed solutions to resolve the crisis over Iran's nuclear program.