Tensions in the Middle East are escalating dangerously, amid growing speculation over a possible US military strike against Iran. While there has been neither official confirmation nor denial from Washington, recent developments have intensified media reports and analyst assessments in Israel and internationally.
US naval movements raise alert levels
According to a US Navy official, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three destroyers have departed the South China Sea and are heading west. The carrier strike group is expected to enter the area of responsibility of US Central Command (CENTCOM) in the coming days.
The deployment is set to add approximately 5,500 troops to the US military presence already stationed in the region.
Officials stress that the move is not linked exclusively to a potential strike against Iran, but also aims to reinforce the protection of US military bases across nine Middle Eastern countries, particularly those located in the Persian Gulf.
Air force deployments signal heightened readiness
At the same time, CENTCOM has announced the deployment of F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets to the region as part of efforts to enhance operational readiness.
The UK Ministry of Defence has also confirmed the deployment of Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar, clarifying that the move is defensive in nature and not intended for offensive operations.
Reports of high-level meetings in Israel
Meanwhile, Israeli media report that CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper is currently in Israel for meetings with senior officials. Washington has not commented on these reports.
Israeli outlets, citing a “senior security official,” claim that Israel views the collapse of the Tehran regime as the only viable path to salvaging the Trump Peace Plan for the Middle East. According to the same sources, a key prerequisite would be a US “green light” allowing Israel to neutralise Hamas in the Gaza Strip through military means—something for which there have so far been no clear signals from Washington.
Airlines suspend flights amid growing uncertainty
Reflecting the rising level of concern, the list of airlines suspending flights to Israel continues to grow. Unlike previous crises, some carriers—including Air France-KLM—have also cancelled flights to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, underscoring fears of wider regional instability.
Source: Cyprus News Agency