At an Iowa rally, Donald Trump said another US “armada” is moving toward Iran after deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln, urging Tehran to make a deal. As Israel warned Iran of severe retaliation, Hezbollah, Houthis and Iraqi militias threatened escalation, deepening regional tensions.

'I hope they make a deal': Trump says 'another beautiful armada' floating towards Iran: US to attack soon?

As tensions with Iran continue to rise, the US military is ramping up its presence in the Middle East with a new large-scale air exercise announced by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Tuesday (Jan 27). The Ninth Air Force, known operationally as Air Forces Central (AFCENT), confirmed it has started a multi-day readiness drill aimed at showcasing its capacity to rapidly deploy, spread out, and maintain air combat operations across CENTCOM’s area of responsibility. According to AFCENT, the exercise is focused on improving the military’s ability to disperse aircraft and personnel, deepen cooperation with regional partners, and execute flexible response options in a dynamic security environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;The drill will test rapid relocation procedures for troops and aircraft, operations from temporary or contingency bases, and sustainment of missions with a minimal logistical footprint. It will also assess multinational command-and-control coordination across a wide operational theater. During the exercise, US forces will send small teams to several contingency sites to practice swift setup, aircraft launch, and recovery using lean support packages. AFCENT emphasized that all activities are being carried out with the consent of host nations and in close coordination with both civil and military aviation authorities, underscoring safety and respect for national sovereignty.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-the-court-s-patience-is-at-an-end-us-judge-orders-acting-ice-director-to-appear-in-court-1769527678019">'The court's patience is at an end': US judge orders acting ICE director to appear in court</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. Air Forces Central will be conducting a multi-day readiness exercise to demonstrate the ability to deploy, disperse, and sustain combat airpower across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Read more: <a href="https://t.co/F4rRENnVGD">https://t.co/F4rRENnVGD</a> <a href="https://t.co/ny80gdjuQU">pic.twitter.com/ny80gdjuQU</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2016135848048103764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The announcement comes just one day after CENTCOM confirmed the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group in the region, significantly expanding US offensive and defensive capabilities. The carrier’s deployment provides President Donald Trump with additional military options amid heightened scrutiny of Iran following the regime’s deadly crackdown on protesters.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-vs-iran-trump-boasts-big-armada-next-to-iran-tehran-draws-red-line-warns-all-out-war-1769524537257/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-vs-iran-trump-boasts-big-armada-next-to-iran-tehran-draws-red-line-warns-all-out-war-1769524537257/embed</a>&nbsp;Lt. Gen. Derek France, commander of AFCENT and Combined Forces Air Component for CENTCOM, said the exercise highlights the readiness and adaptability of US air forces operating under challenging conditions. He noted that the drills reinforce the disciplined execution needed to ensure airpower can be delivered effectively alongside international partners whenever and wherever required.

After USS Abraham Lincoln arrival, US announces multi-day air drill amid escalating Iran tensions

As tensions with Iran continue to rise, the US military is ramping up its presence in the Middle East with a new large-scale air exercise announced by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Tuesday (Jan 27). The Ninth Air Force, known operationally as Air Forces Central (AFCENT), confirmed it has started a multi-day readiness drill aimed at showcasing its capacity to rapidly deploy, spread out, and maintain air combat operations across CENTCOM’s area of responsibility. According to AFCENT, the exercise is focused on improving the military’s ability to disperse aircraft and personnel, deepen cooperation with regional partners, and execute flexible response options in a dynamic security environment. The drill will test rapid relocation procedures for troops and aircraft, operations from temporary or contingency bases, and sustainment of missions with a minimal logistical footprint. It will also assess multinational command-and-control coordination across a wide operational theater. During the exercise, US forces will send small teams to several contingency sites to practice swift setup, aircraft launch, and recovery using lean support packages. AFCENT emphasized that all activities are being carried out with the consent of host nations and in close coordination with both civil and military aviation authorities, underscoring safety and respect for national sovereignty. Also Read: 'The court's patience is at an end': US judge orders acting ICE director to appear in court

The US Air Forces start a multi-day Middle East exercise to test rapid deployment and dispersed operations as tensions with Iran continue to escalate

 Iran’s currency has lost roughly 20,000 times its value since 1979 due to US sanctions, political turmoil, and economic mismanagement. The rial fell from 70 per USD to over 1.4 million.

Why has Iran’s rial lost about 20,000× of its value since 1979?

The US Special Forces and Iran's elite units possess vastly different strengths. While American units like the Navy SEALs hold a clear advantage in technology, budget, and firepower, Iran's Quds Force excels in asymmetric warfare and proxy networks. 

Who would win? Comparing the special forces of the US and Iran in case of a war

Iran's supersonic anti-ship missiles and swarm tactics pose a severe threat to US naval dominance in the narrow Strait of Hormuz, risking a global energy crisis if tensions boil over.

'US vs Iran': Can Iran control the Persian Gulf with anti-ship missiles?

The US Navy’s advanced Aegis system and SM-3 interceptors hold a clear technological edge over Iran’s large but less sophisticated missile arsenal.

Who has the edge in case of war? Iran’s missiles vs US warship missile arsenals

The US Navy faces a genuine threat from Iran’s anti-ship missiles in the Persian Gulf. Iran uses the narrow geography of the Strait of Hormuz, supersonic missiles like the Khalij Fars, and saturation tactics to challenge superior American firepower.

'US vs Iran': Why the US Navy takes Iran’s anti-ship missiles seriously in the Persian Gulf

As the USS Abraham Lincoln nears the Gulf, tensions peak. Iran warns of 'all-out war' while US forces prepare options to strike from the sea using missiles and jets.

'Trump’s game plan': Can US forces attack Iran from the Persian Gulf?

 The US is rapidly deploying aircraft carriers, F-15 fighters, and missile defences to the Middle East as tensions with Iran soar in 2026. With President Trump keeping all options open, the Pentagon has positioned massive firepower in Qatar and at sea, ready for a potential strike.

'US vs Iran': Is the US prepared for an attack on Iran?

The US military dominates Iran in budget and tech, but Tehran’s missiles and swarm tactics in the narrow Gulf waters pose a serious, costly threat.

‘US vs Iran’: Which military really dominates in the Persian Gulf?

The US dominates cyber warfare with billions in funding and elite tech, but Iran’s destructive, low-cost guerrilla tactics make it a dangerous asymmetric threat.

Who is more advanced in cyber warfare: US cyber units vs Iranian hackers?

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued stark warnings that Iran could be “wiped off the face of the Earth” if the regime carries out assassination plots or continued threats, signalling possible military options and escalating tensions. The remarks come amid deepening U.S.–Iran friction over protests in Iran and international pressure. Tehran has dismissed the threats as outdated and says it is ready for any outcome

US-Iran Tensions: Trump Warns Iran Could Be ‘Wiped Off the Earth’ Amid Rising Tensions

The United States possesses a vast military arsenal for potential strikes, ranging from stealth B-2 bombers to advanced cyber tools. Here is a look at the key assets Washington could deploy in a conflict.

From B2 Bombers to Tomahawks: How the US could hit Iran next

Khamenei Blames Trump, U.S. for Deadly Iran Protests

Iran’s MiG-29s offer agility but lack the stealth and sensors to match US 5th-gen fighters. The technical gap in radar and BVR missiles gives the US a decisive edge in aerial combat.

'US vs Iran': Can Iran’s MiG‑29 jets compete with US modern fighters?

Iran is upgrading its air force with Russian Su-35 fighter jets. These 4++ generation aircraft bring advanced radar, speed, and missiles, replacing the ageing US-made F-14 Tomcats and posing a new challenge to Western air dominance.

'US vs Iran': Which is Iran's most advanced fighter jet?

The 1988 downing of Iran Air Flight 655 by the USS Vincennes killed 290 civilians. The US called it an error, while Iran saw it as an attack. The tragedy permanently scarred US-Iran relations.


‘290 lives lost’: How a 1988 US naval error changed US and Iran relations forever

The US can strike Iranian targets from 1,600 km away using JASSM-XR and Tomahawk missiles. This standoff strategy keeps pilots safe from S-300 air defences while hitting hardened sites with 450 kg warheads. B-1B bombers and naval vessels provide the heavy firepower needed.

Without crossing borders: How the US can hit Iranian targets using 1,500-km standoff weapons

The US could rely on air strikes, cyber attacks and economic blockades to neutralise Iran, avoiding a costly ground invasion and minimising troop risks.

Missiles, not troops: How the US can defeat Iran without invading or occupying

Does Iran have chemical weapons? The US accuses Tehran of developing pharmaceutical-based agents that target the central nervous system. These ‘silent’ weapons, potentially mountable on missiles or drones pose a threat arguably deadlier than conventional explosives.

‘More deadly than missiles?’ Does Iran have chemical or unconventional weapons

The US Air Force holds a distinct technological edge with its vast stealth fleet, but Iran’s dense, mobile air defence network and mountainous terrain create a formidable challenge.

Who has the edge? US air power versus Iran’s layered defence

The United States has started pulling troops out of strategic military installations in the Middle East as a preventive step amid rising regional instability, particularly tensions involving Iran, a US official told news agency Reuters. This move follows a warning issued by Tehran earlier on Wednesday (January 14), in which Iranian authorities said neighbouring countries hosting American forces would be targeted if the US launches an attack on Iran.&nbsp;Separately, news agency AFP reported that US personnel stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar were instructed to leave the facility. Several troops were asked to depart by Wednesday evening, according to the report. Al Udeid is the largest US military base in the region. Iran’s warning came shortly after US President Donald Trump publicly urged Iranian demonstrators to continue protesting and to seize control of their institutions, a statement that fueled speculation about potential American involvement as Iran grapples with widespread unrest.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-needs-greenland-for-the-purpose-of-national-security-says-president-donald-trump-1768399881005">'Greenland vital for the Golden Dome we are building', says president Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;With regards to the media reports circulating about the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid Air Base, the International Media Office of the State of Qatar issued a statement. It said, “With reference to circulating media reports regarding the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid Air Base, the International Media Office (IMO) of the State of Qatar states that such measures are being undertaken in response to the current regional tensions.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/-india-urges-citizens-avoid-non-essential-iran-travel-1768402258768/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/-india-urges-citizens-avoid-non-essential-iran-travel-1768402258768/embed</a>&nbsp;“The IMO reaffirms that the State of Qatar continues to implement all necessary measures to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a top priority, including actions related to the protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities. The IMO further notes that should any developments arise, it will be communicated through the official designated channels.”

US withdraws troops from important Middle East bases amid escalating tensions with Iran: Report

The United States has started pulling troops out of strategic military installations in the Middle East as a preventive step amid rising regional instability, particularly tensions involving Iran, a US official told news agency Reuters. This move follows a warning issued by Tehran earlier on Wednesday (January 14), in which Iranian authorities said neighbouring countries hosting American forces would be targeted if the US launches an attack on Iran. Separately, news agency AFP reported that US personnel stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar were instructed to leave the facility. Several troops were asked to depart by Wednesday evening, according to the report. Al Udeid is the largest US military base in the region. Iran’s warning came shortly after US President Donald Trump publicly urged Iranian demonstrators to continue protesting and to seize control of their institutions, a statement that fueled speculation about potential American involvement as Iran grapples with widespread unrest. Also Read: 'Greenland vital for the Golden Dome we are building', says president Donald Trump With regards to the media reports circulating about the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid Air Base, the International Media Office of the State of Qatar issued a statement. It said, “With reference to circulating media reports regarding the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid Air Base, the International Media Office (IMO) of the State of Qatar states that such measures are being undertaken in response to the current regional tensions.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/-india-urges-citizens-avoid-non-essential-iran-travel-1768402258768/embed “The IMO reaffirms that the State of Qatar continues to implement all necessary measures to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a top priority, including actions related to the protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities. The IMO further notes that should any developments arise, it will be communicated through the official designated channels.”

The US is reportedly withdrawing troops from key Middle East bases after Iran warned it would strike American facilities amid escalating tensions in the region

Israel uses a 6-layer air defence network including Iron Dome, David's Sling, Arrow 2, Arrow 3, C-Dome, and the new laser-based Iron Beam to intercept threats from rockets to space-based missiles.

'6 layers of defence': How Israel can block drones and cruise missiles coming towards it

From Qatar's Al Udeid to Bahrain's 5th Fleet, here are 7 key US military bases in the Middle East within range of Iranian missiles.

From Qatar to Bahrain: US military bases Iran could attack in case of war

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