As President Donald Trump considers escalating military action against Iran, the U.S. military is significantly increasing its presence in the Middle East with special operations forces and fighter jets. This buildup is aimed at preparing for potential further attacks on Iran and responding to the Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen.
According to the Wall Street Journal on July 22, the U.S. military has recently moved special operations forces from the continental U.S. to the Middle East and deployed fighter jet squadrons across the region.
F-16s from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany and F-35s from RAF Lakenheath in the UK have been relocated to the Middle East. Long-range bombers from U.S. and UK bases are also maintaining a high state of readiness for expanded operations.
Medical support has also been enhanced, with over 150 medical personnel recently deployed to a medical center in Landstuhl, Germany, which serves as a key facility for treating injured U.S. troops in the Middle East.
This military buildup comes in the wake of recent attacks by Iran that have resulted in U.S. casualties. Three U.S. service members were killed in an Iranian attack on a base in Jordan, and one soldier died while engaging an Iranian drone in Iraq.
The U.S. has been conducting airstrikes against Iran for 12 consecutive days. The U.S. Central Command has targeted Iranian military command facilities, maritime operation sites, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and logistical centers.
President Trump is also increasing military pressure on Iran, warning that the U.S. could strike “bridges or power plants” in response to Iranian attacks on vessels. He has mentioned the possibility of targeting 'Pickaxe Mountain,' suspected of housing underground nuclear enrichment facilities.
The military buildup is also aimed at enhancing the U.S. response capabilities against the Houthis, who have recently threatened maritime blockades against Saudi Arabia. Trump warned, “If they attack ships in the Red Sea, we will take care of it.”
On the same day, a tanker was reportedly attacked in the Red Sea, with the Houthis claiming to have targeted two Saudi tankers with ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones.
However, analysts suggest that the increase in U.S. military presence does not necessarily indicate an immediate large-scale military operation. Retired General Joseph Votel, a former commander of U.S. Central Command and Special Operations Command, stated, “The key is to provide the president and the secretary of defense with maximum flexibility and a range of options.”
As the war drags on, the financial burden is also growing. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported this week that over $37 billion has been spent on the Iran war so far.
The U.S. has already deployed tens of thousands of troops to the Middle East. The U.S. Navy is operating 17 vessels in the region, including two aircraft carrier strike groups. Since the war began in February, 18 U.S. service members have died due to enemy attacks and various incidents.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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