Iran
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Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
Anything else going on for a deployment this size?
Plus, 2 days ago.
Multiple KC-135R “Stratotanker” Aerial-Refueling Tankers with the U.S. Air Force have taken off from bases in California and Maine this afternoon heading east, preparing to cross the Atlantic towards Europe, with several destined for Morón Air Base in Spain.
This was wild to see today as two B2 bombers flew over Missouri hauling east!
Two B-2’s spotted over Northern Illinois heading northeast today. I wonder what they’re practicing for⁉️
Significant movement of 12 F-15E's 🇺🇸 and supporting GOLD tankers towards the Middle East this morning, the F-15s from RAF Lakenheath
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG-3/ABECSG) turned off AIS overnight. Last known position puts her heading west out of Malacca into the Bay of Bengal/Indian Ocean. CSG-3 is on track to make CENTCOM by 22-23JAN26 & the N. Arabian Sea by 24JAN26.
BREAKING: THE MIDDLE EAST IS BRACING FOR IMPACT
The United States is rapidly assembling serious military firepower across the region — and all eyes are now on President Trump.
According to multiple reports, Washington is building a posture that gives Trump maximum flexibility — from deterrence to full offensive strike options against Iran.
Here’s what’s unfolding:
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has turned west from the Indo-Pacific and is now moving toward the Middle East
12 F-15 fighter jets have arrived in Jordan in the past 24 hours
Additional air defense systems, aircraft, and naval assets are expected to deploy in the coming days
This is not routine movement.
The United States is rapidly assembling serious military firepower across the region — and all eyes are now on President Trump.
According to multiple reports, Washington is building a posture that gives Trump maximum flexibility — from deterrence to full offensive strike options against Iran.
Here’s what’s unfolding:
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has turned west from the Indo-Pacific and is now moving toward the Middle East
12 F-15 fighter jets have arrived in Jordan in the past 24 hours
Additional air defense systems, aircraft, and naval assets are expected to deploy in the coming days
This is not routine movement.
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Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
Might help explain it.
https://www.memri.org/reports/irania...10000-km-range
BREAKING: Iran has conducted its first ICBM test, launching a missile with a 10,000 km range towards Siberia with Russia’s approval - Memri
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Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
Several Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4s with the No. 12 Squadron of the British Royal Air Force, based out of RAF Coningsby and operated jointly with ground and maintenance crewmembers from the Qatar Emiri Air Force, have been deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar from RAF Akrotiri, amid escalating tensions with Iran.
According to the U.K. Ministry of Defense, the deployment was at the request of the Qatari Government under the U.K.-Qatar Defence Assurance Agreement.
According to the U.K. Ministry of Defense, the deployment was at the request of the Qatari Government under the U.K.-Qatar Defence Assurance Agreement.
Press release
UK Joint Squadron deploys Typhoon jets to Qatar
12 Squadron begins deployment to the Gulf region reflecting the strong UK-Qatar defence partnership that helps to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad
The Royal Air Force’s joint Typhoon squadron with Qatar, 12 Squadron, has deployed to the Gulf for defensive purposes noting regional tensions as part of the UK-Qatar Defence Assurance Agreement, demonstrating the strong and enduring defence relationship between the UK and Qatar.
12 Squadron has regularly deployed to Qatar to conduct joint training and share experiences which enhance national and regional security. Recently, the RAF deployed on exercises such as EPIC SKIES and SOARING FALCON – further reinforcing the operational capability between our two nations.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:
Qatar and the UK are close partners with historic defence ties going back decades. This partnership bolsters the national security of both our nations and supports stability in the Gulf region.
Today’s deployment builds on those shared aims as Typhoon jets from our joint squadron deploy to support its defence.
Coming alongside our announcement of half a billion pounds investment to upgrade our Typhoons, this deployment is further demonstration of the crucial role of these jets in reinforcing global security.
The deployment, upon invitation of the Qatari government, is in a defensive capacity and builds on the UK’s established defence partnership with Qatar and reflects the UK Government’s commitment to collaborating with international partners to maintain regional stability.
The UK and Qatar share a long history of cooperation, particularly with flying training including both Hawk and Typhoon in the UK and this deployment highlights the importance of working alongside allies and partners to address shared security challenges.
UK forces regularly operate alongside regional partners as part of established defence commitments, working collaboratively and actively to provide peace and stability in the region. 12 Squadron’s deployment is a testament to the UK’s commitment to our partners and to the wider stability of the region.
Strong national security keeps the UK safe and working with international partners like Qatar supports plays a vital role in achieving this goal. By working together, the UK and its allies can better protect our shared interests which keep us secure at home and strong abroad.
UK Joint Squadron deploys Typhoon jets to Qatar
12 Squadron begins deployment to the Gulf region reflecting the strong UK-Qatar defence partnership that helps to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad
The Royal Air Force’s joint Typhoon squadron with Qatar, 12 Squadron, has deployed to the Gulf for defensive purposes noting regional tensions as part of the UK-Qatar Defence Assurance Agreement, demonstrating the strong and enduring defence relationship between the UK and Qatar.
12 Squadron has regularly deployed to Qatar to conduct joint training and share experiences which enhance national and regional security. Recently, the RAF deployed on exercises such as EPIC SKIES and SOARING FALCON – further reinforcing the operational capability between our two nations.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:
Qatar and the UK are close partners with historic defence ties going back decades. This partnership bolsters the national security of both our nations and supports stability in the Gulf region.
Today’s deployment builds on those shared aims as Typhoon jets from our joint squadron deploy to support its defence.
Coming alongside our announcement of half a billion pounds investment to upgrade our Typhoons, this deployment is further demonstration of the crucial role of these jets in reinforcing global security.
The deployment, upon invitation of the Qatari government, is in a defensive capacity and builds on the UK’s established defence partnership with Qatar and reflects the UK Government’s commitment to collaborating with international partners to maintain regional stability.
The UK and Qatar share a long history of cooperation, particularly with flying training including both Hawk and Typhoon in the UK and this deployment highlights the importance of working alongside allies and partners to address shared security challenges.
UK forces regularly operate alongside regional partners as part of established defence commitments, working collaboratively and actively to provide peace and stability in the region. 12 Squadron’s deployment is a testament to the UK’s commitment to our partners and to the wider stability of the region.
Strong national security keeps the UK safe and working with international partners like Qatar supports plays a vital role in achieving this goal. By working together, the UK and its allies can better protect our shared interests which keep us secure at home and strong abroad.
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Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
Politico:
Elsewhere in war: Donald Trump said overnight that the U.S. has sent an “armada” of warships toward Iran “just in case.”
Reuters reports the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and several guided-missile destroyers will arrive in the Middle East in the coming days.
The U.S. president said he hopes he won’t have to use them … but renewed warnings to Tehran against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear program.
Reuters reports the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and several guided-missile destroyers will arrive in the Middle East in the coming days.
The U.S. president said he hopes he won’t have to use them … but renewed warnings to Tehran against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear program.
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From: Montana
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From: Out and about
If Trump were to engage in a massive aerial campaign over several months targeting all regime leadership, all IIRGC facilities and all their leadership, regular military and police facilities along with western special forces on the ground could it be enough to topple the regime? It would almost certainly end the nuclear programme for good. Going after all ballistic missile production facilities as well. If this is not enough then destroying key industrial/transport targets such as oil industry and ports. I feel if nothing is done the regime will remain in place and very likely end up with nukes.
There does seem to be a possible leader in waiting in Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. I certainly heard his name mentioned by Iranians in protest footage I have seen.
There does seem to be a possible leader in waiting in Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. I certainly heard his name mentioned by Iranians in protest footage I have seen.
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From: Everett, WA
If Trump were to engage in a massive aerial campaign over several months targeting all regime leadership, all IIRGC facilities and all their leadership, regular military and police facilities along with western special forces on the ground could it be enough to topple the regime? It would almost certainly end the nuclear programme for good. Going after all ballistic missile production facilities as well. If this is not enough then destroying key industrial/transport targets such as oil industry and ports.
Personally, I'd like to see him tell Iran that - unless they stop killing the protesters - they're going to find many of their military bases suddenly missing.
And carry through if they don't listen.
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From: Ferrara
Yes the US could destroy almost anything they want in Iran - but without boots onteh ground howare they going to get the regime they want? The Iranians may just put in a puppet and wait until Trump is no longer n power and then what do you have? A very large country with a burning sense of injustice and a desire for revenge at all costs. In 20 years time our kids & grandkids will be facing the costs
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From: Everett, WA
Iran's supreme leader retreats underground, warned of likelihood of US airstrikes: report
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has gone underground, reportedly hiding out in a bunker out of fear of being wiped out by US airstrikes — as the USS Abraham Lincoln steams toward the Persian Gulf.
The 86-year-old supreme leader has moved to a fortified shelter in Tehran connected to a series of elaborate underground tunnels after senior military officials warned of the increasing likelihood of an imminent US attack, Iran International reported, according to the Jerusalem Post.
The 86-year-old supreme leader has moved to a fortified shelter in Tehran connected to a series of elaborate underground tunnels after senior military officials warned of the increasing likelihood of an imminent US attack, Iran International reported, according to the Jerusalem Post.
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From: Land of Oz
He sounds like he realises he's on his last legs, like that guy in Berlin 80 years ago.
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Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/0...rmada-00751756
Trump threatens Iran with ‘massive Armada,’ ‘able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence’
President Donald Trump amped up pressure on Iran on Wednesday, highlighting a “massive Armada” recently deployed to the region to force Tehran to the bargaining table over a deal that would end its nuclear weapons program.
The president’s social media post is the latest show of force in the international arena for a White House emboldened by a successful military operation in Caracas, Venezuela.
“It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary.”……
“Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties,” he said. “Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn’t, and there was ‘Operation Midnight Hammer,’ a major destruction of Iran.”
“The next attack will be far worse!,” he continued. “Don’t make that happen again.”
Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations linked Trump’s threat to previous American incursions in the Middle East.
“Last time the U.S. blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over $7 trillion and lost more than 7,000 American lives,” the mission wrote on X.
“Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests—BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE!”
President Donald Trump amped up pressure on Iran on Wednesday, highlighting a “massive Armada” recently deployed to the region to force Tehran to the bargaining table over a deal that would end its nuclear weapons program.
The president’s social media post is the latest show of force in the international arena for a White House emboldened by a successful military operation in Caracas, Venezuela.
“It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary.”……
“Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties,” he said. “Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn’t, and there was ‘Operation Midnight Hammer,’ a major destruction of Iran.”
“The next attack will be far worse!,” he continued. “Don’t make that happen again.”
Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations linked Trump’s threat to previous American incursions in the Middle East.
“Last time the U.S. blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over $7 trillion and lost more than 7,000 American lives,” the mission wrote on X.
“Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests—BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE!”
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From: Cumbria
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From: Baston
At the risk of putting ideas into the Ayatollah's head, whatever happened to the threat of assymetric warfare?
Put simply, rather than threaten those US assets near to hand, why not threaten mainland USA?
Given religious fanaticism and the promise of a slack handful of virgins, there are dozens of ways of shaking the mainland to the core. Even claiming to have poisoned water supplies or aircon [without lifting a finger to commit the act] might well cause panic and disruption. Wall Street, airports,rail and bus stations spring to mind.
It would outflank the feel good of toting a pistol around town and make many Americans call for Trump to mind his own business and desist.
Put simply, rather than threaten those US assets near to hand, why not threaten mainland USA?
Given religious fanaticism and the promise of a slack handful of virgins, there are dozens of ways of shaking the mainland to the core. Even claiming to have poisoned water supplies or aircon [without lifting a finger to commit the act] might well cause panic and disruption. Wall Street, airports,rail and bus stations spring to mind.
It would outflank the feel good of toting a pistol around town and make many Americans call for Trump to mind his own business and desist.
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From: Over the rainbow
Iran: Trump warns 'time is running out' for nuclear deal as US military builds up in Gulf - BBC News
All fun and games providing everything goes to plan.
All fun and games providing everything goes to plan.
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From: Australia
Iran: Trump warns 'time is running out' for nuclear deal as US military builds up in Gulf - BBC News
All fun and games providing everything goes to plan.
All fun and games providing everything goes to plan.
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Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
Interesting to note that the earlier concern about the lives of demonstrators has gone out the window - perhaps because there was nothing that could be done about it - and the focus is back on the nuclear programme.
The ICBM test launch referenced at post #2582 above perhaps coming into sharper relevance….
Iran
The ICBM test launch referenced at post #2582 above perhaps coming into sharper relevance….
Iran
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From: Over the rainbow
Trump will churn up a lot of Iranian dirt, claim victory and everything goes back to as it was except that Trump, implying it would help the Iranian people previously has led to them rising up, the uprising subsequently being quashed and it's people killed.
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Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
6 hours ago - should over or in the UK by now, depending where it's staging.
A U.S. Air Force WC-135R Constant Phoenix is now leaving CONUS for Europe and possibly onwards to the Middle East. They are commonly referred to as “nuke sniffers” due to their role detecting and identifying nuclear material in the atmosphere.