USA strengthen air defense in the Middle East amid possible threat from Iran

The United States is preparing for possible retaliatory strikes from Iran and is increasing air defense systems in the region.

As reported by BAKU.WS, this is according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing American officials.

According to the publication, an aircraft carrier strike group led by the aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln" has already been deployed to the region, and F-35 and F-15E fighters are being moved closer to the potential combat zone.

At the same time, Washington emphasizes that a decision on the use of force against Tehran has not yet been made.

"Trump has not yet decided whether he will use force and in what manner. American airstrikes on the Islamic republic are not inevitable, as the Pentagon is deploying additional air defense systems to protect Israel, Arab allies, and American troops in case of a retaliatory strike from Iran and a potential prolonged conflict," the WSJ publication notes.

American officials do not rule out that in the event of an order from Donald Trump, the US could carry out limited airstrikes against Tehran, but they predict a mirror response from the Islamic republic. In this regard, the Pentagon is focusing on strengthening missile defense.

For these purposes, THAAD batteries and Patriot systems are being deployed in the region at military bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

In addition, American destroyers with missile defense capabilities, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles and drones, are already in the region. Some ships are patrolling near the Strait of Hormuz, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, and the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea.