TheIntelFrog Profile picture
Feb 14 11 tweets 3 min read Read on X
Anything more than a limited air strike will require significantly more assets than are currently in theater.

What would an attack targeted at regime change in Iran look like and how might they respond?

Lets discuss in this 🧵.

1/
At least 152 C-17s have transited into the Middle East from various points around the world since mid January. 12 F-35As and 6 EA-18G Growlers have arrived in Jordan while an F-15 rotation occurred in the same time frame.

2/

F-16s and F-35s from European bases could support an operation with tanker support to/from.

But is this enough?

No.

3/
Prior to MIDNIGHT HAMMER commencing, squadrons of tankers and fighter aircraft positioned in the region.



4/
Prior to ABOLUTE RESOLVE commencing, we saw an influx of special operations aircraft position themselves in the region.



5/
A potential regime change operation in Iran will look significantly different than either of the above.

The Iranian regime has been planning for such a scenario since 1979. There are bunkers scattered around Tehran to keep key leaders safe in the event of an attack.

6/
It will take multiple waves of airstrikes in order to ensure that senior leaders are effectively eliminated.

This will not be a one-off MIDNIGHT HAMMER type of operation but will more likely spread over a number of weeks or potentially months.

7/
In the event of an attack, how might Iran respond?

-Ballistic missile launches by the dozens
-One way attack drone swarms
-Attempting to mine/close the Strait of Hormuz
-Attacks by proxy forces on US & allied forces

8/
Naval assets positioning into the region can provide a layered aerial defense in conjunction with newly and previously deployed PATRIOT and THAAD systems.



9/
The assets currently in theater are consistent with a limited airstrike operation, but more assets are on the move inbound signalling planning for a more in depth operation.

10/
How long before enough assets are in place?

The earliest possible window may coincide with the arrival of the Ford CSG in ~10-14 days.

Keep an eye out for F-22s and additional F-35s to move that way over the next week or two. Should also see more CSAR and SOF assets inbound.

11/

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More from @TheIntelFrog

Feb 6
So, China detonated a nuclear bomb with a yield of "hundreds of tons" and used seismic decoupling to obscure it from the outside world?

Let's take a look at this a little deeper in a short 🧵.

1/
First, what is seismic decoupling in regards to nuclear testing?

It is the "detonation of nuclear explosions in large underground cavities so as to muffle or decouple the seismic waves".



2/ apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA…Image
How big of an explosion can seismic decoupling mask?

No more than 10 kilotons, or 10,000 tons.

For reference, the bomb dropped on Hiroshima was 15 kilotons.



3/ nationalacademies.org/read/12849/cha…Image
Read 6 tweets
Feb 1
🧵 This is what buildup looks like when it’s happening in real time

Competing surveillance near the Strait of Hormuz isn’t a headline, it’s a data point. A US Navy MQ-4C on one side and an Iranian UAV on the other.

Same water. Same time. Different altitudes.

1/
Surveillance is one of the first indicators that posture is shifting.

➡️Before forces move visibly.
➡️Before strikes are discussed.
➡️Before statements are made.

Sensors go up first to give commanders a view of the battle space.

2/
As regional tempo increases, three things usually scale together:

• Surveillance coverage
• Logistics flow
• Forward positioning

You rarely see just one without the others.

3/

Read 12 tweets
Jan 23
This storm has triggered quiet, coordinated action across several sectors.

From power and water, to telecom, fuel, retail, and shelters, systems are already shifting into emergency posture.

Let’s pull back the curtain on what’s happening behind the scenes 🧵

1/
As of 0500z, 11 states had declared states of emergency and 1 state (Texas) has issued a preemptive disaster declaration.

2/ Image
These actions are taken to trigger emergency powers that allow executive leadership to bypass certain requirements (such as competitive contracting rules) in order to swiftly and effectively manage the emergency.

3/
Read 10 tweets
Jul 19, 2025
I believe the first flight of B-61 nuclear weapons were delivered to the newly updated facility at RAF Lakenheath, UK yesterday by US Air Force C-17A Globemaster III #AE2FAC as RCH4574 following the pattern of similar nuclear swaps.

1/
On July 15th, US Air Force C-17A Globemaster III #AE2FAC as RCH4574 from the 62nd Airlift Wing arrived at Kirtland AFB, NM from McChord AFB, WA.

2/ Image
The 62nd AW is the only unit in the USAF that is certified to ferry routine nuclear weapons shipments.

3/

theaviationist.com/2025/07/17/hig…
Read 8 tweets
Jul 4, 2025
Catastrophic flooding is occurring in Central Texas this morning.

📸The Kerrville Daily Times Image
Image
3/

Texas Task Force 1 has assets in the region and are responding to assist local authorities with searches and rescues. Image
Read 48 tweets
Jun 11, 2025
Iran/CENTCOM/Middle East developments-June 2025 🧵

- VOLUNTARY evacuations of DoD dependents from various Middle East bases
- US Embassy in Iraq preparing to evacuate nonessential personnel

1/
Range map of Iran’s missile program.

2/
Read 54 tweets

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