Latest news with #USSNimitzCarrierStrikeGroup
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
What US military assets could be deployed in the Middle East?
As tensions rise in the Middle East, CNN has reported on the types of military power the United States could deploy in the region, especially if the conflict involving Iran expands. The report outlines US Navy strike groups, aircraft, and special weapons that may be used if needed. The USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group includes: The USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group includes: CNN noted that one of the key US military tools is the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (GBU-57), a bomb designed to hit underground targets like nuclear facilities. According to CNN, this weapon is unique to the United States and can only be deployed by the B-2 stealth bomber. CNN said this capability might be necessary if any country wanted to target deeply buried sites such as Iran's Fordow nuclear facility. CNN's report stated that Israel currently holds air superiority over Iran. Its military has been able to carry out attacks with limited resistance and has likely degraded Iran's air defences and missile launch capabilities. Israel is also said to have a significant advantage in intelligence, helping it strike targets more effectively. Iran's military is outmatched, with limited effective air power remaining. While Iran has a stockpile of missiles, CNN said that many of the launch sites have already been hit by Israeli strikes. Israel has strong air power, it may lack the ability to destroy heavily fortified sites like Fordow on its own. The report said that the US is the only country that possesses the necessary weapons and delivery systems to carry out such deep underground attacks. According to CNN, without US support, alternatives like ground operations would be the only option, which could escalate the conflict further.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Will come down so hard': Trump's big warning to Iran; says looking for 'real deal' not ceasefire
As the Middle East teeters on the edge of a wider war, US President Donald Trump delivered a stark warning to Iran: 'Not to touch our troops.' Speaking aboard Air Force One en route back to Washington, Trump said he was not in the mood for peace talks and hinted at a harsher American response if provoked. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'We'll come down so hard, it'd be gloves off,' he said. On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump doubled down: 'I have not reached out to Iran for 'Peace Talks' in any way, shape, or form… They should have taken the deal that was on the table, would have saved a lot of lives!!!' His comments come amid dramatic developments on the ground. Iran's capital, Tehran, is showing signs of panic. Long lines have formed at gas stations, the historic Grand Bazaar is shuttered, and thousands are reportedly fleeing west toward the Caspian Sea. Though no official evacuation order has been issued, Israel's warning for 300,000 residents to leave the city ahead of potential airstrikes has heightened tensions. Meanwhile, the Israeli military claims it has assassinated Gen. Ali Shadmani, a high-ranking commander in Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard. Iran has not confirmed the death. Trump's hardline stance appears to be supported by military moves. The USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is en route to the region, and US missile-defense ships in the eastern Mediterranean have already intercepted rockets aimed at Israel over the weekend. Allies call for restraint European leaders, including France, Germany, and the UK, are scrambling to calm the crisis. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged Iran to return to talks 'without conditions' and warned against nuclear escalation or withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also urged a return to diplomacy during her meeting with Trump at the G7 summit in Canada, even as Trump denied reports he had cut his trip short to work on a ceasefire. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'Much bigger than that,' he posted on Truth Social. India begins evacuations; Arab states condemn escalation India confirmed that it has begun evacuating students and nationals from Tehran, urging others to leave via Armenia. Meanwhile, 20 countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, issued a joint statement condemning Israel's 'aggression' and calling for an immediate ceasefire and regional nuclear disarmament. G7 issues stark warning G7 leaders released a joint statement emphasizing that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. 'We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself… Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror,' the statement read. But for now, Iran says it won't negotiate while under attack. And Trump, when asked whether a diplomatic mission involving Vice President Vance and businessman Steve Witkoff might be dispatched, replied: 'Depends on what happens when I get back.'
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Israel can hover, but can't dismantle': US intel warns Iran nuclear strikes may have short-term impact
As Israel continues a series of airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure, US intelligence assessments reveal a stark contrast with Israeli warnings, raising questions about the long-term effectiveness of the campaign and the risk of escalation. Israel's strikes, launched last week and centered on the Natanz nuclear facility, were justified by Israeli officials as a necessary preemptive move to halt Iran's alleged rapid progress toward acquiring nuclear weapons. But US officials disagree. According to four sources familiar with intelligence briefings, American assessments maintain that Iran is not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon and remains up to three years away from being able to develop and deliver one. One US official told CNN that despite the extensive damage at Natanz, the strikes have likely only set back Iran's nuclear program by 'a matter of months.' A second site, the heavily fortified Fordow facility deep beneath a mountain, remains unscathed, and out of Israel's reach without US bunker-busting bombs and aerial support. 'Israel can hover over those nuclear facilities… but if you really want to dismantle them, it's either a US military strike or a deal,' said Brett McGurk, former US envoy to the Middle East under Trump and Biden. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Everybody Is Switching To This Enterprise Accounting Software [Take a Look] Accounting ERP Click Here Undo President Donald Trump, speaking from the G7 Summit in Canada on Monday, reiterated that the US is not involved, yet. 'We're not involved in it. It's possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved,' he told ABC News. Trump also called on both Israel and Iran to begin talks 'before it's too late.' However, a regional diplomat told CNN that Iran has communicated to mediators in Qatar and Oman that it will not enter negotiations while under attack. Inside the Pentagon, the debate is intensifying. US Central Command, under Gen. Michael Kurilla, has advocated for increased military readiness in the region. On Monday, a US official confirmed that the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is moving toward the Middle East 'without delay,' and missile-defense-capable naval assets will shift to the eastern Mediterranean 'in the coming days.' 14 Killed As Russia Bombards Kyiv With Missiles, Drones In One of War's Deadliest Strikes Meanwhile, the divide in interpretations of intelligence persists. US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified in March that Iran had not resumed its nuclear weapons program suspended in 2003. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disagrees, insisting that 'they were working, in a secret plan to weaponize the uranium. They were marching very quickly.' The International Atomic Energy Agency last week confirmed Iran possesses enough uranium enriched just below weapons-grade to potentially build nine bombs, though developing a viable delivery system would take significantly longer. The Israeli campaign, while damaging, may leave the most critical threat untouched. 'If this ends with Fordow intact,' McGurk warned, 'you could actually have a worse problem… Iran more inclined to go to a nuclear weapon, and they have that infrastructure intact.'
The Hill
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
US aircraft, warships headed to Middle East amid Israel-Iran conflict
The Big Story Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Monday that he has directed 'the deployment of additional capabilities' to the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region. © Associated Press 'Protecting US 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 platform X. He did not name the additional capabilities, though earlier on Monday, a U.S. official confirmed to NewsNation, The Hill's sister network, that the U.S. military has moved a large number of refueling tanker aircraft to Europe. The move is intended to 'provide options' to Trump amid the escalating tensions, the official added. A Defense official also confirmed to The Hill that Hegseth directed the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group be sent to the Middle East 'to sustain our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel.' Multiple outlets have reported that the action was a pre-planned deployment that had been expedited. The vessel is able to hold some 5,000 personnel and more than 60 aircraft, including fighter jets. U.S. European Command also deployed two destroyers to the eastern Mediterranean Sea on Friday. The vessels can help defend against guided missile strikes. The shifted U.S. military assets and personnel comes as the conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its fourth day, with both sides intensifying their assaults following Israel's initial strike on Tehran on Friday. Israel and Iran have taken part in tit-for-tat attacks, open warfare that Israeli officials have said could last 'weeks, not days' and threatens to spark a wider war in the Middle East. Israel last week moved forward with its strikes after accusing Iran of being on the verge of building a nuclear bomb. Since then, the two sides have traded large scale missile attacks back and forth in what has become the deadliest confrontation between the countries, with at least 24 people killed in Israel and more than 220 killed in Iran. Read the full report at Welcome to The Hill's Defense & National Security newsletter, I'm Ellen Mitchell — your guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads How policy will affect defense and national security now and inthe future: Democrat moves to prevent Trump from striking Iran without congressional approval Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced a resolution Monday seeking to prevent the U.S. from getting involved in a military conflict with Iran without congressional approval. The resolution reaffirms existing law, directing the president to end any use of the U.S. armed forces 'for hostilities' against Iran 'unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran.' The … White House denies reporting by Guardian on VA benefits: 'Totally FALSE story' The Trump administration on Monday denied reporting by The Guardian that said new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals could refuse care to veterans based on factors like marital status and political affiliation due to an executive order by President Trump. The Guardian earlier Monday published a report saying VA hospitals are implementing new rules in response to Trump's executive order in January, which would … Netanyahu doesn't rule out targeting Iran's supreme leader Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday didn't rule out targeting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, just hours after reports emerged that President Trump nixed a plan by Israel to take out Khamenei. 'It's not going to escalate the conflict, it's going to end the conflict,' Netanyahu told ABC News's Jonathan Karl when asked about the reports that Trump rejected … On Our Radar Upcoming things we're watching on our beat: In Other News Branch out with a different read from The Hill: Suspect in Minnesota lawmaker shootings in custody after two-day manhunt The man suspected of shooting two Minnesota state lawmakers over the weekend, killing one of them, has been taken into custody after a massive search. Law enforcement apprehended Vance Boelter on Sunday night after a two-day search, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced at a press conference shortly … On Tap Tomorrow Events in and around the defense world: What We're Reading News we've flagged from other outlets: Trending Today Two key stories on The Hill right now: Trump to depart G7 early due to Middle East conflict President Trump will depart the Group of Seven (G7) summit on Monday night, a day earlier than planned, because of the growing conflict in the Middle … Read more Senate releases Trump tax and Medicaid blueprint Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) on Monday released the Senate's long-awaited version of President Trump's tax agenda, which would … Read more Opinions in The Hill Op-eds related to defense & national security submitted to The Hill: You're all caught up. See you tomorrow! Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here
The Hill
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Hegseth orders ‘additional capabilities' to Middle East
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Monday that he has directed 'the deployment of additional capabilities' to the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region. 'Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region,' Hegseth said in a post to X. He did not name the additional capabilities, though earlier on Monday a U.S. official confirmed to NewsNation, The Hill's sister network, that the U.S. military has moved a large number of refueling tanker aircraft to Europe. The move is intended to 'provide options' to Trump amid the escalating tensions, the official added. Pentagon and White House officials have declined to say how many aircraft have been moved, but the flight tracking website AirNav systems counted more than 31 Air Force refueling aircraft such as KC-135s and KC-46s leaving the United States on Sunday and flying east. The military flights eventually landed at Ramstein air base in Germany and in the United Kingdom, Estonia, and Greece, according to the website. Multiple outlets also have reported that USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on its way to the Middle East as part of a pre-planned deployment – though the action has been expedited. The vessel is able to hold some 5,000 personnel and more than 60 aircraft, including fighter jets. The Pentagon and White House did not respond to questions from The Hill. The shifted U.S. military assets and personnel comes as the conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its fourth day, with both sides intensifying their assaults following Israel's initial strike on Tehran on Friday. Israel and Iran have taken part in tit-for-tat attacks, open warfare that Israeli officials have said could last 'weeks, not days' and threatens to spark a wider war in the Middle East. Israel last week moved forward with its strikes after accusing Iran of being on the verge of building a nuclear bomb. Since then, the two sides have traded large scale missile attacks back and forth in what has become the deadliest confrontation between the countries, with at least 24 people killed in Israel and more than 220 killed in Iran. White House and Israeli officials have said Israel began the strikes after approval from the U.S. – which has helped defend Israel from Iranian-fired missiles. But even as President Trump has voiced support for Israel, he appears wary of any U.S. involvement in its conflict. The president on Monday sidestepped a question as to what it would take for the U.S. military to get involved, telling reporters: 'I don't want to talk about that.' He also urged Tehran to return to talks with the U.S. over its nuclear program 'before it's too late.' 'They should talk, and they should talk immediately,' he said while attending an annual meeting of top western leaders in Canada. Trump a day prior on Sunday said the United States is not involved in Israel's strikes against Iran, but 'it's possible we could get involved.' He also has made clear Washington's support for Israel, warning that 'if we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before.' Israel, meanwhile, had reportedly urged Washington to help it in eliminating Iran's nuclear program, with its targets including energy installations, missile sites, nuclear infrastructure, command centers and Iran's state television station. 'We're not involved in it. It's possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved,' Trump told ABC News' Rachel Scott. The U.S. military already has a large footprint in the Middle East, with nearly 40,000 troops, air defense systems, fighter aircraft and ships.
