 "US announces multi-day air exercise in West Asia amid rising Iran tensions")
As tensions with Iran continue to escalate, the US military is stepping up its presence in the West Asia, announcing a large-scale air exercise aimed at demonstrating rapid combat readiness across the region.
US Central Command (CentCom) said on Tuesday that the Ninth Air Force—operationally known as Air Forces Central (AFCENT)—has launched a multi-day readiness drill designed to showcase its ability to deploy, disperse and sustain air combat operations across Centcom’s area of responsibility.
Focus on rapid deployment and dispersal
The exercise is centred on testing the rapid relocation of aircraft and personnel, operations from temporary or contingency bases, and sustaining missions with a minimal logistical footprint. It will also assess multinational command-and-control coordination across a wide operational theatre.
According to AFCENT, small teams will be sent to multiple contingency locations to practise swift setup, aircraft launch and recovery using lean support packages. The command said all activities are being carried out with the consent of host nations and in close coordination with civil and military aviation authorities.
Carrier strike group boosts US firepower
The announcement came a day after CentCom confirmed the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group in the Middle East, significantly expanding US offensive and defensive capabilities in the region.
The deployment has intensified speculation over whether President Donald Trump could order military action against Iran following its violent crackdown on anti-regime protests. While Trump has issued warnings to Tehran, he has also signalled openness to negotiations. Iran has responded by threatening to strike Israel and US targets if attacked.
US military underscores readiness
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 in a complex security environment.
“This exercise is designed to enhance asset and personnel dispersal capability, strengthen regional partnerships and prepare for flexible response execution throughout CentCom ,” the US military said. It added that the drill would validate procedures for rapid movement, dispersed operations, minimal-footprint logistics and integrated multinational command and control.
Unrest in Iran forms backdrop
The heightened military activity comes amid deepening unrest inside Iran, triggered by the collapse of the rial, which has sharply eroded savings and driven mass protests. As of Tuesday, the currency was trading at around 1,077,500 rials to the US dollar, close to a record low.
Opposition-linked outlet Iran International reported that more than 36,500 people were killed by security forces during protests in early January, citing documents and sources, though the figures could not be independently verified.
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View AllMeanwhile, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 6,126 people were killed in the crackdown, including protesters, children and civilians, with more than 41,800 arrests recorded. The group has previously provided credible casualty estimates during periods of unrest in Iran.
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