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.
Georgia has officially begun dredging works for the long-awaited Anaklia Deepwater Port after the arrival of the first dredging vessel, marking a sign...
Iran said on Monday (3 August) it is not negotiating with the U.S. over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, saying current talks with Oman are focused sol...
The Pacific island nation formerly known internationally as Nauru has officially adopted the name Republic of Naoero, restoring the traditional name u...
A tourist aircraft crashed near Peru's UNESCO-listed Nazca Lines on Saturday (1 August), killing all 13 people on board, authorities said.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has said Tehran is not currently involved in direct talks with Washington about reopening the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were to begin on Monday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said late on Saturday he would hold off on a fresh attack on Iran as long as a deal could be reached quickly to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Two firefighting helicopters collided while battling a major wildfire in Greece on Sunday, killing two crew members as emergency services continued efforts to contain fires fuelled by extreme heat and dry conditions across Europe.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said wildfires that swept across France were now under control. Authorities warned that risks remained as Greece and Spain continued battling active blazes across parts of Europe.
Georgia has officially begun dredging works for the long-awaited Anaklia Deepwater Port after the arrival of the first dredging vessel, marking a significant milestone in one of the country's most ambitious infrastructure projects.
Iran said on Monday (3 August) it is not negotiating with the U.S. over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, saying current talks with Oman are focused solely on ensuring safe shipping through the strategic waterway.
Pakistan and Uzbekistan are stepping up efforts to streamline trade between South and Central Asia through a new customs partnership focused on digital connectivity and artificial intelligence.
A suicide bomber killed at least 17 people and injured 35 others outside a police station in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday evening, officials said. The Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in Kabal, a town in the Swat Valley near the Afghan border.
Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan has appointed Nikol Pashinyan as prime minister on Sunday by decree after the previous government resigned following the first session of the newly elected National Assembly.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment