Signs of a military escalation between Iran and the US have intensified, following reports that air defense systems had been activated over Tehran and a series of statements by President Donald Trump against the Iranian regime.
A third US aircraft carrier reached the Middle East region on Thursday, as the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Indian Ocean, according to a statement by US Central Command. The carrier will reinforce the Lincoln and Ford carrier strike groups already operating in the region and taking part in the campaign against Iran. In addition, heavy movement of US aircraft was recorded near Gibraltar, with the aircraft avoiding Spanish airspace.
Iranian media reported explosions over the capital, Tehran, as a result of the activation of air defense systems above the city. According to the Mehr news agency, air defense systems were heard engaging targets described as "hostile targets" in parts of Tehran on Thursday, after earlier reports that air defense batteries had been activated in the city.
The semi-official Fars news agency reported that fire had been opened at several Israeli drones identified over the capital. Videos posted on social media appeared to show explosions above a rally of regime supporters.
The developments came after US President Donald Trump posted a blunt message about the negotiations with Tehran on his social media platform.
"For those people, fewer in number now than ever before, that are reading The Failing New York Times, or watching Fake News CNN, that think that I am "anxious" to end the War (if you would even call it that!) with Iran, please be advised that I am possibly the least pressured person ever to be in this position. I have all the time in the World, but Iran doesn't — The clock is ticking! The reason some of the Media is doing so poorly with Subscribers and Viewers is because they no longer have credibility. Iran's Navy is lying at the bottom of the Sea, their Air Force is demolished, their Anti Aircraft and Radar Weaponry is gone, their leaders are no longer with us, the Blockade is airtight and strong and, from there, it only gets worse — Time is not on their side! A Deal will only be made when it's appropriate and good for the United States of America, our Allies and, in fact, the rest of the World," Trump wrote.
The remarks joined a string of threats Trump made throughout the day. Earlier, Trump shared on Truth Social a Washington Post article outlining a plan to deal with the crisis in the Persian Gulf if Iran decides not to negotiate with the US.
According to the article, a combination of strikes on leaders opposed to negotiations and forcibly reopening the Strait of Hormuz could push Iran toward a compromise. The article also said that the commander of US Central Command, Admiral Cooper, had told the president he needed two more weeks of fighting to wear down the remaining targets.
Earlier, Trump said he had ordered the US Navy to open fire on any Iranian ship or boat that attempts to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on social media, the president wrote, "I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be (Their naval ships are ALL, 159 of them, at the bottom of the sea!), that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. There is to be no hesitation. Additionally, our mine "sweepers" are clearing the Strait right now. I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled up level! Thank you for your attention to this matter," the president wrote.
In a separate post, Trump addressed the state of the Iranian leadership and wrote, "Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don't know! The infighting is between the "Hardliners," who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the "Moderates," who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!), is CRAZY! We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz. No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy. It is "Sealed up Tight," until such time as Iran is able to make a DEAL!!!"
