The BBC reported on the 29th, citing information from ship tracking websites, that yet another US Navy destroyer has arrived in the Middle East, bringing the number of US warships deployed in the region to at least 10. An Iranian military spokesperson warned that if the US launches an attack, Iran will respond decisively by immediately attacking US military bases and aircraft carriers in the area.
● Missile Destroyer Heads to Persian Gulf
According to the BBC, the US Navy's Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley passed through the Suez Canal on the 28th heading for the Persian Gulf. With this move, the US now has at least 10 warships deployed in the Middle East, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.
British and American media, citing US officials, reported that in addition to the Lincoln aircraft carrier, the other warships include six destroyers and three littoral combat ships. The report noted that the destroyers can work with the carrier to carry out land attack missions and defend against missile and drone attacks. The littoral combat ships’ land strike capability covers a wide range from the coastline to deep inland.
● US Search and Rescue Aircraft Head to Middle East
The BBC also said that on Thursday morning, a US Navy “Osprey” tiltrotor aircraft heading to Oman was tracked over the Persian Gulf, and the USS Lincoln is equipped with Ospreys. This type of tiltrotor aircraft can deploy strike troops to land targets and support special operations.
In addition, US military news outlets reported that several US HC-130J long-range search and rescue aircraft are heading to the Middle East. These planes can quickly rescue ejected pilots behind enemy lines. The report said this is one sign that the US is considering launching airstrikes against Iran.
● US Bases Within Range of Iranian Missiles
An Iranian Army spokesperson, Akraminia, warned that “if the US launches an attack, a decisive response will be made immediately,” and stated that US aircraft carriers face “serious vulnerabilities,” and that many US military bases are within range of Iran’s medium-range missiles.
He warned: “If the Americans make this kind of miscalculation, things definitely won’t develop as Trump imagines: quickly executing an action first and then announcing its end two hours later on social media.”
● Iranian President: US Must Stop Provocations
Iranian President Pezeshkian stated that if the US seeks negotiation and genuine diplomacy, it must stop provocative and destabilizing actions.
On Thursday afternoon, Pezeshkian spoke by phone with Qatar’s Emir Tamim and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz, exchanging views on the regional tensions caused by US destabilizing actions. He thanked Qatar and Pakistan for their support and expressed hope that unity and cooperation among Islamic countries would be further strengthened and deepened.
Pezeshkian stated that Iran has always supported the establishment of equal, win-win, and dignified diplomacy based on international law. He emphasized that Iran has never started a war nor welcomes any conflict, but will not allow itself to be threatened or attacked during negotiations and will resolutely defend the nation and its people.