Iran has positioned missiles and military equipment in preparation for possible retaliatory strikes on US military bases in the Middle East, in the event that the United States directly joins Israel’s military campaign against Tehran, the New York Times reported citing American officials familiar with classified intelligence assessments.
The preparations, which include short and medium range missiles, intensified amid growing concerns in Washington that the conflict between Israel and Iran could spiral into a regional war. As per the report, multiple US officials warned that an American strike on critical Iranian infrastructure- particularly the underground Fordo nuclear facility- could trigger a rapid and forceful response from Iran and its regional allies.
US Troops On Alert, Refueling Jets Moved Into Position
In response to the potential escalation, the US military has deployed approximately three dozen aerial refueling aircraft to Europe. These aircraft would be used to support American fighter jets defending regional bases or to extend the operational range of bombers in the event of a direct strike on Iranian nuclear targets.
American military bases across the Middle East- including in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Saudi Arabia- have been placed on high alert, as per the NYT report. The US currently maintains over 40,000 troops in the region.
Iran Threatens Direct Retaliation
Two senior Iranian officials confirmed that Tehran would retaliate against US military installations- starting with those in Iraq- if Washington becomes militarily involved, the report claimed, adding that American intelligence also pointed to coordinated threats from Iran-aligned forces. Officials believe the Houthi militia in Yemen would likely resume attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea, while Iranian-backed militias in Syria and Iraq could attempt to strike US personnel and installations.
Another tactic under consideration by Tehran, officials said, could involve mining the Strait of Hormuz- a strategic chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. The move could risk disrupting global energy markets.
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