U.S. forces will hold multi-day air exercises in the Middle East as Washington increases its military presence amid strained ties with Iran.
The U.S. military said the drills are intended to test operations under demanding conditions while improving coordination with regional partners.
Air Forces Central said the exercise was designed to “enhance asset and personnel dispersal capability, strengthen regional partnerships and prepare for flexible response execution.”
The announcement came as U.S. President Donald Trump warned that an “armada” was moving toward Iran and said military action remained a possibility, while emphasising that he hoped to avoid escalation.
“We have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case,” Trump said. “I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely.”
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the exercises would be held with the approval of host nations and in close coordination with civil and military aviation authorities, stressing safety, precision and respect for sovereignty. It did not disclose the location, duration or assets involved.
CENTCOM has also confirmed the arrival of a U.S. carrier strike group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, a deployment U.S. officials described as defensive and aimed at deterrence and regional stability.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified following Iran’s crackdown on anti-government protests. Trump has warned Tehran against killing protesters and said the United States remains open to talks if Iran understands the terms.
Iranian leaders have criticised the U.S. military buildup as destabilising. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran was “more than capable” of responding to any aggression and that its armed forces were closely monitoring developments.
Several U.S. allies in the region, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have said they would not allow their airspace to be used for military action against Iran. The UAE has also said it would not provide logistical support for any such operation.
Russia reported a major fire at an Ozon logistics hub in Krasnodar after a drone attack on Monday, while Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelens...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 24th of August, covering the latest developments. ...
Only four commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, following 13 transits a day earlier, as disruptions continue to restrict traffi...
Iran on Saturday denounced U.S. plans to announce new sanctions that could put further strain on the Islamic Republic's economy and have an impact on its most important trading partners including China.
A large-scale drone attack has hit Russia's Samara region, damaging facilities and disrupting operations at an Ozon logistics complex, according to regional authorities and the company.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected calls for a wartime election, arguing that holding a vote while Russia's full-scale invasion continues would divide the country and undermine national unity.
A newly created pro-government political party has secured a commanding victory in Kazakhstan's snap parliamentary election, according to exit polls, strengthening President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's influence at a pivotal moment in the country's political transition.
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have elevated bilateral ties with a Treaty on Eternal Friendship signed by Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on 23 August. The leaders also agreed to expand trade, investment, transport, and regional cooperation.
Only four commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, following 13 transits a day earlier, as disruptions continue to restrict traffic through the key energy chokepoint.
A newly created pro-government political party has secured a commanding victory in Kazakhstan's snap parliamentary election, according to exit polls, strengthening President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's influence at a pivotal moment in the country's political transition.
Kazakhstan has concluded its first election to the new unicameral Kurultai, with turnout reaching 74.19 per cent, as vote counting begins following a major overhaul of the country’s parliamentary system.
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have elevated bilateral ties with a Treaty on Eternal Friendship signed by Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on 23 August. The leaders also agreed to expand trade, investment, transport, and regional cooperation.
Syria has called for international action after an Israeli drone strike hit a civilian vehicle near Damascus, warning that continued Israeli attacks could deepen instability and put civilians at greater risk.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment