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US aircraft carriers, missile submarines, and stealth bombers are moving into striking range of Iran after Trump’s warning. Is Washington preparing for military action or sending a powerful message?
Trump preparing to strike Iran
Washington: Speculation is growing over a possible US military strike against Iran as American strategic assets are repositioning across key regions. The developments come weeks after President Donald Trump issued strong warnings over Iran’s crackdown on civilian protesters, raising concerns about a potential escalation between the two nations.
Military analysts note that the current movement of US forces closely resembles past operational patterns seen before limited strikes against Tehran.
At the center of the buildup is the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. The aircraft carrier was stationed in the South China Sea when President Trump made his initial statements in early January. On January 20, the carrier transited the Malacca Strait and entered the Indian Ocean, reportedly travelling at speeds exceeding 20 knots.
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Shortly afterward, the Abraham Lincoln switched off its automatic identification system, a move commonly used to conceal the precise location of naval assets during sensitive operations. At its current pace, analysts estimate the carrier could enter the Arabian Sea within days.
The strike group includes guided-missile destroyers and nuclear-powered submarines, providing layered air and underwater defence. Onboard are between 48 and 60 F/A-18 fighter jets, each capable of striking targets up to 2,300 kilometres away without aerial refuelling.
Defense observers are also watching for the possible deployment of Ohio-class guided missile submarines, known as SSGNs. These submarines can carry up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, allowing the US to launch large-scale precision strikes while remaining submerged and undetected.
Such submarines played a key role in previous US operations targeting Iranian facilities.
Meanwhile, US C-17 military transport aircraft have conducted repeated flights between January 20 and 22 to Jordan’s Mafraq Al Khawaja airbase.
Intelligence analysts believe the aircraft may be transporting Patriot PAC-3 missile systems intended to strengthen Israel’s air defence against potential Iranian retaliation. Tehran has previously warned of counterstrikes if attacked.
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The United States could also deploy B-2 stealth bombers, either from Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean or directly from the US mainland. With a range of over 11,000 kilometres and the ability to carry heavy payloads, the bombers provide Washington with long-range strike flexibility.
The current posture closely mirrors last year’s Operation Midnight Hammer, when the US used B-2 bombers and missile submarines to target Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. As assets continue to move, the key question remains whether this buildup is intended as deterrence—or preparation for action.
