US Moves Carrier, F-15E Jets, Refuellers to West Asia Over Iran's Violent Protest Crackdown

The United States is significantly ramping up its military posture in West Asia, signalling readiness for potential action against Iran even as President Donald Trump unveils a new diplomatic initiative he calls the “Board of Peace”. Within a day of launching the proposed international organisation aimed at promoting global stability, Trump again raised the prospect of using force against Tehran, amid escalating tensions linked to Iran’s internal unrest and nuclear concerns.

US officials have confirmed that an aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by guided-missile destroyers and an attack submarine, is expected to enter the Arabian Sea or Persian Gulf region in the coming days. The strike group, which was last publicly tracked in the Indian Ocean after being redirected from the South China Sea, is no longer visible on open-source tracking systems. At the same time, F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets have already been deployed to West Asia, supported by additional aerial refuelling aircraft to extend operational range.

American media reports also point to the deployment of advanced missile defence systems, including THAAD and Patriot batteries, across the region, particularly in allied countries such as Israel and Qatar. Israel, meanwhile, has reportedly placed its air defence network on heightened alert, underscoring the regional ramifications of any potential US military move against Iran.

Also Read: Iran Declares Resolve to Repel Foreign Threats in Face of US Pressure Over Protests

The immediate trigger for the US build-up is Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests sparked by a deepening economic crisis. While Iranian state-linked media have reported more than 3,000 deaths, rights groups estimate the toll could exceed 20,000. Trump has repeatedly threatened military action over the alleged killings, claiming US pressure forced Tehran to halt mass executions, though he has alternated between hardline warnings and softened rhetoric in recent days.

Strategic ambiguity also surrounds Iran’s nuclear programme, particularly the unresolved issue of nearly 400 kilograms of enriched uranium believed to be missing since US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. Washington has warned it will act if Iran resumes nuclear activities, while the International Atomic Energy Agency has yet to conduct inspections that are typically carried out monthly, adding to uncertainty and suspicion.

Military analysts suggest that if the US does act, it is unlikely to be limited to a single strike. Options range from limited punitive attacks to broader operations targeting Iran’s missile and command infrastructure, with direct strikes on nuclear facilities also not ruled out. Iran, for its part, has warned of retaliation, potentially targeting US bases or leveraging its influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint. As tensions rise, Israel is expected to play a crucial role, both as a potential target and as a key component of regional missile defence, even as it weighs the risks of deeper involvement in an already volatile Middle East.

Also Read: European Officials Warn of Imminent US Attack on Tehran Amid Iran Protests