Iran seeks anti-ship missiles from China as US military buildup in Middle East intensifies – National & International News
US military buildup in Middle East intensifies; Iran seeks anti-ship missiles from China
During his state of the union speech on Tuesday, President Trump insisted that he would prefer to settle conflicts through negotiation. However, he reiterated that Iran would never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon (even though there is no evidence Iran is seeking to weaponize its nuclear capabilities). Trump also claimed, without providing further details, that Iran was developing a ballistic weapon that could reach the US.
In recent days, the buildup of US military assets in the Middle East has continued to intensify amid tense negotiations with Iran. The talks seek curbs on Iran’s civilian nuclear program and Iran has shown willingness to negotiate on limits to its nuclear enrichment. Iran has repeatedly rejected US demands that Iran cease enriching uranium altogether and has also refused US and Israeli demands that they dismantle their ballistic missile program.
With the two sides still far apart, a military showdown is looking increasingly likely. Iran is refortifying sites around the country, apparently anticipating that a strike could come any day. The current US military deployment in the Middle East is the largest since the leadup to the 2003 Iraq War. On Tuesday, 22 US stealth fighter jets landed in Israel, and two US aircraft carriers, including the USS Gerald R. Ford are now in the region as well.
Last week, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that if the US struck Iran, Iran would sink US warships at sea. Iran is currently nearing completion of a deal to purchase supersonic anti-ship missiles from China. These missiles are designed to fly low and fast to evade naval and anti-missile defenses. They are designed for attacks on large ships, including aircraft carriers.
The Gerald R. Ford alone carries over 4,500 hundred people. If the Ford were lost with all hands, it would be the single-highest casualty event in US military history. The December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces killed 2,341 US service members by comparison.
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