Tension in the Middle East is at its peak as the US is amassing an unprecedented number of forces around Iran for a possible strike. Preparations are to such an extent that even if the US is unable to use its military bases in the Middle East, it should be able to conduct a sustained aerial campaign from the sea and bases in Europe. Besides many advanced fighter aircraft, including F22 Raptors, tankers and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft (AEW&C), have been moved towards these bases. Two aircraft carrier groups, one south of Iran in the Arabian Sea and the other east of the Mediterranean Sea, have been stationed to open a two-front war if required. Air defences at bases in the Middle East have also been beefed up. On the other hand, Iran is also flexing its muscles, particularly at sea. A few days back, it held a live weapons firing drill in the Strait of Hormuz, closed the Strait for some time and is currently holding a joint exercise with the Russian Navy in the Gulf of Oman. There have been reports of several Chinese and Russian transport aircraft arriving in Iran. Although it is not clearly known what they brought, it is being speculated that support for beefing up Iran’s depleted air defences might have been provided.

On the diplomatic front, conflicting statements from the American leadership have added fog to the situation. Initially, a deadline of one month was set for Iran on 13 February 2026 for the conclusion of a........

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