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.
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.
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/
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
As of 0500z, 11 states had declared states of emergency and 1 state (Texas) has issued a preemptive disaster declaration.
2/
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/
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.