[ad_1]
The official said it was unclear if the Iranians’ actions were “defensive” because they were anticipating a possible US attack or if they were indications that the Iranians were preparing for operations in the Gulf against the United States.
He noted that one of the main indicators of this is that several Iranian military ships are no longer in port but in sea.
The official declined to give specific details on Iran’s movements due to the sensitivity of the situation, so the scope of the increased provision or Iran’s intentions is not publicly known.
But the United States does not believe that Iran’s military movements are simply training at sea. The preparation of Iran’s military forces has often varied over time.
US officials are watching closely to see what weapons and missiles Iran may decide to move, what forces and crews they are putting into the field, and indications of how long they can hold a high position, but recent moves by Iran come with escalating rhetoric. between the United States and Tehran, and the broadcast of many. Iranian officials include statements threatening revenge for the American assassination of one of their top generals a year ago.
The United States currently has several surface warships in the Persian Gulf capable of launching Tomahawk missiles. There are between 40 and 50,000 Americans deployed throughout the region, but many of them are not in direct combat roles.
There is also a squad of F-16s in the area, but the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz was ordered to return to the area by Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller.