Tensions have reached extremely high levels as they have deployed a large air force led by the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln off Iranian waters, amid threats of possible military action against it.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that a “large naval contingent” was heading to the region and that the US was closely monitoring the Iranian regime’s movements, adding that he would prefer to avoid any military conflict. F-35 and F-18 fighter jets have been put on high alert for possible strike orders.
This force includes the aircraft carrier Lincoln accompanied by multiple destroyers equipped with Tomahawk missiles and is expected to be joined by additional units in the maritime area.
Iranian reaction and threats of war
The Iranian government has responded with harsh statements, indicating that it will consider any attack, even a limited one, .
At the same time, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has put its forces on high alert, while Israel has shown that it has completed its preparations in case a US strike is directed at Iran.
Flight cancellations and wider implications
Some of the biggest airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France and KLM, have already canceled flights to Middle Eastern countries this weekend amid fears the situation could escalate out of control.
Controversial reports about Khamenei
Against this backdrop, opposition Iranian media are reporting that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has retreated to an underground security bunker in Tehran, preparing for a possible US strike. .
However, Tehran has officially denied that Khamenei is “in hiding”, saying he is simply taking security measures as per protocol, and accusing foreign intelligence agencies of fueling inaccurate rumors to further destabilize the situation.
The context of the protests and the victims
At the same time, the country is in internal turmoil following a widespread crackdown on mass protests that rocked Iran earlier this month. According to human rights watchdogs, more than 5,000 people have died during clashes with security forces, while tens of thousands have been arrested.
