Experts Warn U.S.–Iran Military Tensions Could Spark New Strikes Amid Massive Military Buildup - Aquila Telegram

 January 28, 2026 — As tensions between the United States and Iran climb to levels not seen in years, military analysts and foreign policy experts are warning that a substantial U.S. military buildup in the Middle East could presage limited or even broad U.S. strikes on Iran, raising the specter of a wider regional conflict and diplomatic crisis.

In recent weeks, Washington has deployed a host of military assets to the Middle East. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group — complete with advanced fighter jets and carrier-based aircraft — has entered the region, joining Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems, F-15E Strike Eagles, MQ-9 Reaper drones, P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft and additional support aircraft already in place.

“The deployment of carrier strike groups, long-range strike aircraft, and integrated air defense systems signals a capability and readiness that goes beyond simple deterrence,” said one U.S. defense analyst. “If ordered, these forces could launch precision strikes on critical Iranian military infrastructure in short order.”

Iranian officials have responded with stark warnings. Tehran has declared that any attack — whether termed ‘limited,’ ‘surgical,’ or otherwise — will be treated as an “all-out war” and met with a powerful response.

The overall force posture suggests to be that the US intends to carry out an initial strike to neutralise key targets like air defences and airbases (possibly using a mix of B-2s, F-35Cs and EA-18Gs), followed by potential several days or even a couple of weeks worth of further strikes…using the F-15Es and other assets,” says Jon, a senior editor of the UK Defence Journal

“During any initial strikes, the analyst foresees [F-15Es] being used…as air defence interceptors for the region — carrying a mix of traditional air-to-air missiles for defence against Iranian cruise missiles, and the [Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System] APKWS guided rockets for use against any [adversarial drones there],” he predicted.

A Gulf official told Middle East Eye that the U.S. is considering high-precision strikes in Iran, as early as this week. CENTCOM announced today, further, that Air Force Central will be conducting military readiness exercises in the coming days. Iran says it will consider any attack against it “all-out war.”

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