Latest news with #Nimitz
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump's big headache? U.S faces mounting risk to 40,000 troops in Middle East as Iran threatens response
If the United States joins the ongoing war between Israel and Iran, the Pentagon would be confronting a major issue regarding the fate of more than 40,000 US soldiers already deployed around the Middle East along with other US citizens who live and work in the region, as per a report. US Troops in the Line of Fire The United States troops stationed in between bases from Bahrain to Syria would be the most vulnerable to counterattacks, which might involve Iranian ballistic missiles, drones or terrorism if the US joins Israel to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, reported USA Today. A US Defense official told USA Today that Iran can strike 'all of them,' as quoted in the report. The fear comes as even previously Iran had launched 13 ballistic missiles at US troops in Iraq in January 2020, wounding around 100 US troops, according to the report. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo ALSO READ: Shocking poll: Two-thirds of Americans believe Donald Trump has committed crimes Will United States Join the War? Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump did not dismiss the possibility of entering the ongoing war, as he said on Wednesday, 'I may do it. I may not do it," adding, "I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do," quoted USA Today. Live Events Pentagon Moves to Protect Americans Abroad As per the report, in case the United States launches a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, the potential weapon the US could use is the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a bomb that can burrow deep into the earth before unleashing a huge explosion. With the aim to increase protection for Americans in the Middle East, the Pentagon has started shifting more firepower to the region this week, including the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier strike group, which is expected to be arriving in a few days, according to USA Today. A US official in anonymity told USA Today that the added warplanes from the Nimitz and others in the region would be able to deliver a devastating response in Iran if they did attack US troops, as quoted in the report. FAQs How many US troops are at risk in the Middle East? Over 40,000 US soldiers are currently stationed at bases from Bahrain to Syria, as per USA Today report. Why are they in danger? If the US joins Israel in striking Iran's nuclear sites, Iran could retaliate against American troops using missiles, drones, or terror attacks, as per the report.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
40,000 reasons to worry: U.S. troops in Middle East could face Iran blowback
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has at least 40,000 reasons to worry about the aftermath of a potential attack on Iran. That's the rough number of U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East, in bases from Bahrain to Syria and points in between. Not to mention U.S. citizens who live and work in the region. They would be vulnerable to counterattacks that could involve Iranian ballistic missiles, drones or terrorism should the United States join Israel in its ongoing attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Iran can strike 'all of them,' a U.S. Defense official said. The threat isn't theoretical. Iran launched 13 ballistic missiles at U.S. troops in Iraq in January 2020. That attack, which wounded about 100 U.S. troops, followed the U.S. drone strike that killed Gen. Qasem Soleimani, leader of Iran's elite Quds Force, part of the country's hardline paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Corps. On June 18, President Donald Trump didn't dispel the possibilty of entering the war. 'I may do it. I may not do it," Trump told reporters June 18. "I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do." More: 'Nobody knows what I'm going to do': Trump says he hasn't decided whether to strike Iran If the United States does attack Iran's nuclear facilities, a likely weapon is the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a bomb that can burrow deep into the earth before unleashing a huge explosion. More: How does a bunker-buster bomb work? A closer look at the GBU-57 This week, to bolster protection for Americans in the Middle East, the Pentagon has begun shifting more firepower to the region, including the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier strike group, which is days away from arriving. Those ships will join others capable of shooting down ballistic missiles. The added warplanes from the Nimitz and others in the region would be able to deliver a devastating response in Iran if they did attack U.S. troops, according to the U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly. Asked whether there were adequate protections in place to repel an Iranian attack, a Pentagon spokesperson pointed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's X post on June 16. Hegseth noted the 'deployment of additional capabilities' to the region and that the protection of U.S. troops is 'our top priority.' On Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Hegseth told the Senate Armed Services Committee that 'maximum protection' measures were in place. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat on the committee, said he found Hegseth unconvincing. 'I was really disappointed that he failed to offer greater assurance that we have taken active measures to protect U.S. personnel, both military and civilian, in the event of a strike by the United States,' Blumenthal said in an interview. 'I asked specifically about drones and possibility of using them against American targets. I had no real comfort that there are adequate plans to stop or deflect such attacks.' Dispatching the Nimitz strike group is a good step, Blumenthal said. But he questioned the ships' ability to stop terrorist attacks or swarms of drones. Blumenthal also noted that Iran may have the ability to mount drone attacks from within the United States. He pointed to Ukraine's devastating drone attack on Russian warplanes deep inside its border. Israel, too, used drones smuggled into Iran as part of its attack. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 40,000 U.S. troops at risk if Iran responds to an attack
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
40,000 U.S. troops at risk if Iran responds to an attack
They would be vulnerable to counterattacks that could involve Iranian ballistic missiles, drones or terrorism should the United States join Israel in its ongoing attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Iran can strike "all of them," a U.S. Defense official said. The threat isn't theoretical. Iran launched 13 ballistic missiles at U.S. troops in Iraq in January 2020. That attack, which wounded about 100 U.S. troops, followed the U.S. drone strike that killed Gen. Qasem Soleimani, leader of Iran's elite Quds Force, part of the country's hardline paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Corps. On June 18, President Donald Trump didn't dispel the possibilty of entering the war. "I may do it. I may not do it," Trump told reporters June 18. "I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do." More: 'Nobody knows what I'm going to do': Trump says he hasn't decided whether to strike Iran If the United States does attack Iran's nuclear facilities, a likely weapon is the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a bomb that can burrow deep into the earth before unleashing a huge explosion. More: How does a bunker-buster bomb work? A closer look at the GBU-57 This week, to bolster protection for Americans in the Middle East, the Pentagon has begun shifting more firepower to the region, including the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier strike group, which is days away from arriving. Those ships will join others capable of shooting down ballistic missiles. The added warplanes from the Nimitz and others in the region would be able to deliver a devastating response in Iran if they did attack U.S. troops, according to the U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly. Asked whether there were adequate protections in place to repel an Iranian attack, a Pentagon spokesperson pointed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's X post on June 16. Hegseth noted the "deployment of additional capabilities" to the region and that the protection of U.S. troops is "our top priority." On Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Hegseth told the Senate Armed Services Committee that "maximum protection" measures were in place. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat on the committee, said he found Hegseth unconvincing. "I was really disappointed that he failed to offer greater assurance that we have taken active measures to protect U.S. personnel, both military and civilian, in the event of a strike by the United States," Blumenthal said in an interview. "I asked specifically about drones and possibility of using them against American targets. I had no real comfort that there are adequate plans to stop or deflect such attacks." Dispatching the Nimitz strike group is a good step, Blumenthal said. But he questioned the ships' ability to stop terrorist attacks or swarms of drones. Blumenthal also noted that Iran may have the ability to mount drone attacks from within the United States. He pointed to Ukraine's devastating drone attack on Russian warplanes deep inside its border. Israel, too, used drones smuggled into Iran as part of its attack.
Dubai Eye
3 days ago
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
US bolsters Trump's Middle East military options by moving refueling aircraft
The U.S. military has moved a large number of refueling aircraft to Europe to provide options to President Donald Trump as Middle East tensions erupt into conflict between Iran and Israel, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity. The officials also said the U.S. aircraft carrier Nimitz was heading to the Middle East, in what one of them said was a pre-planned deployment. The Nimitz can hold 5,000 personnel and more than 60 aircraft, including fighter jets. Taken together, the deployments, which were first reported by Reuters, suggest the United States is greatly strengthening its air power for potentially sustained operations as Iran and Israel trade blows in unprecedented open warfare. Israel began bombing Iran on Friday, saying Tehran was on the verge of building a nuclear bomb. Since then, Iran and Israel have launched large salvos against each other, killing and wounding civilians and raising concerns about a broader regional conflict. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a post on X late on Monday, said he had ordered the deployment of additional defensive capabilities to the Middle East, but did not offer specifics. "Protecting U.S. forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region," Hegseth said in a post on social media platform X. AirNav systems, a flight tracking website, said more than 31 U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft - primarily KC-135s and KC-46s - left the United States on Sunday, heading east. The U.S. officials declined to comment on the number of aircraft. The Pentagon referred Reuters to the White House, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "The sudden eastward deployment of over two dozen U.S. Air Force tankers is not business as usual. It's a clear signal of strategic readiness," said Eric Schouten at Dyami Security Intelligence. "Whether it's about supporting Israel, preparing for long-range operations, logistics is key, this move shows the U.S. is positioning itself for rapid escalation if tensions with Iran spill over." AirNav systems said the U.S. military flights had landed in Europe, including at Ramstein air base in Germany and airports in the United Kingdom, Estonia, and Greece. The United States has been cautious so far, helping Israel knock down incoming missiles. Trump vetoed an Israeli plan in recent days to kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Sunday. One of them said the United States did not support going after Iran's political leadership, as long as Americans were not being targeted. Trump has lauded Israel's offensive and warned Tehran not to widen its retaliation to include U.S. targets. A third U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, declined to comment on the tanker movement but stressed that U.S. military activities in the region were defensive in nature. Another source familiar with the issue said the United States has told regional countries that it is making defensive preparations and would switch to offensive operations if Iran strikes any U.S. facilities. The United States already has a sizeable force in the Middle East, with nearly 40,000 troops in the region, including air defense systems, fighter aircraft and warships that can help bring down missiles. Last month, the Pentagon replaced B-2 bombers with another type of bomber at a base in the Indo-Pacific that is seen as being an ideal location to operate in the Middle East. The B-52 bombers can carry large bunker-busting munitions, which experts say can be used against Iran's nuclear facilities.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Inside Trump's $4.5bn flagship supercarrier USS Nimitz rushing to flashpoint Middle East armed to the teeth with F-35s
Trump has threatened Iran would feel the 'full force' if they attacked the US THE BIG GUNS Inside Trump's $4.5bn flagship supercarrier USS Nimitz rushing to flashpoint Middle East armed to the teeth with F-35s Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AMERICA is sending the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates. The hulking $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier, nicknamed Old Salt, is the flagship of the deadly Carrier Strike Group 11. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 Sun reporter Ryan Parry on board the USS Nimitz Credit: John Chapple 12 The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is heading for the Middle East 12 Sun reporter Ryan Parry below deck with a fighter jet Credit: John Chapple The strike group includes Carrier Air Wing Seventeen and Destroyer Squadron Nine - a potent combination of military hardware that will strike fear into Iran. The Nimitz left the South China Sea Monday morning heading west towards the Middle East, where it will be stationed. The move comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran and question marks over whether the West will become embroiled in the conflict. Donald Trump has warned Iran it would experience the "full force" of the US military if it attacked US interests. Read more on world news GUN TRAGEDY Horror moment boy, 2, shoots his mum dead after picking up his dad's gun And Sir Keir Starmer has sent more RAF jets to the Middle East, including Typhoons and air-to-air refuelers, as tensions mount. The USS Nimitz will provide a major boost to US military presence in the region. And The Sun knows first hand of the true might of this awesome 100,000 ton warship. I spent two days on board the USS Nimitz during a training exercise. The massive vessel is 1,092ft long and 252ft wide and consists of 117,000 sq ft. The flight deck is four and a half acres and boasts four aircraft catapults to propel F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and F-35C stealth strike fighters into the sky. Iran launches 3rd night of strikes as Netanyahu warns war could lead to 'regime change' in Tehran Four giant elevators bring the aircraft from the hangar in the guts of the carrier. I stood just feet away as F-35 Lightning II fighter jets were catapulted from the deck with an ear-splitting blast, before disappearing off the bow of the ship in a haze of steam. The violent rumble of the jet engines shook my bones to the core. A Seahawk helicopter circled nearby in case of any accidents. The F-35C is designed for long-range stealth strike missions and is built explicitly for US Navy carrier operations. The flight deck of the Nimitz was awash with dedicated crewmen wearing different coloured 'jerseys' whose job is to tow the aircraft into position before the pilots ready the jets for take off. Green jerseys operate the jet blast deflectors (JBD), aircraft handlers wear yellow jerseys, blue jerseys work in the hanger bay and purple jerseys refuel the aircraft, while red jerseys handle aviation ordinance and crash and salvage. The whole manic scene - described by those on board as a choreographed ballet - is watched over by white jerseys. 12 A F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet lands on the deck of the USS Nimitz Credit: Reuters 12 Fighter jets on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz's flight deck Credit: AFP 12 I stood behind a yellow jacket, also known as a shooter, one of several catapult officers responsible for the safe and efficient launch of the ship's aircraft. She threw a shooting sign to tell the jet to take off. 'Stay behind me,' she screamed as we ducked under the afterburners of a Super Hornet. 'The heat from those engines will take your skin off.' Beneath deck is a massive floating city where 5,000 US Navy personnel carry out their duties like worker bees in a hive. Inside the ten floor, 3,000 room hull, life is one slick operation. There are several cafeterias, gyms, a Starbucks coffee shop and 'luxury' state rooms for 'Distinguished Visitors'. Since it is nuclear-powered, the Nimitz – call sign NMTZ - can operate for up to 20 years without refuelling. Capable of reaching 30 knots (35mph) the ship is one of ten nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the US Fleet. I joined the ship off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, for a routine five-day training mission which saw the F-35C put through its paces. The ship raised its two 60,000lb anchors and set sail from Naval Air Station North Island, in Coronado, San Diego. 12 The USS Nimitz during a drill in the South China Sea in 2020 Credit: EPA 12 Sun man Parry said the carrier operates like a beehive Credit: John Chapple 12 There is even a Starbucks on board Credit: John Chapple Walking around the vast warship you're struck by the sheer number of young faces walking the narrow corridors and stairways - the backbone of the US Navy. The average age of sailors on board is 25 and often you'll find a teenager fresh out of high school steering the warship out of port. During my time onboard I was also taken up to the bridge, the heart of the ship's operation, where the Captain sat on a raised chair surrounded by his team of navigators, officers and the rest of the watch team charged with keeping the ship away from hazards. The mission of many of the Nimitz sailors will be to take off and land dozens of fighter jets, helicopters and planes, sometimes within less than 60 seconds of each other. The crew often work 12-hour shifts, six days a week. The busy ship goes through around 500 cans of energy drink Monster a day purchased from the ship's store. The Nimitz entered service in 1975 but has undergone dozens of refurbishments and upgrades since. It is the lead ship of her class, one of the largest warships in the world, second only to the USS Gerald R Ford. The Nimitz's homeport is Naval Base Kitsap in Washington and the vessel is named for legendary fleet admiral Chester W. Nimitz (1885–1966), who helped the US defeat the Japanese Navy in World War II. Its deployment to the Middle East will likely be its last mission as it marks 50 years of service. The ageing warship is set to be replaced by the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) later this year. 12 The USS Nimitz is covered in US patriotism on board Credit: John Chapple 12 On board sit special US Navy missiles Credit: John Chapple
