US must strengthen air defenses in Mideast before any Iran strike - WSJ
The United States needs to reinforce air defenses across the Middle East before launching any potential strike on Iran, as Washington prepares for possible retaliation by Tehran, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The report quoted US officials as saying that airstrikes on Iran are not imminent, as the Pentagon is still deploying additional air defense systems.
According to the report, the Pentagon is taking steps to better protect Israel, Arab allies, and US forces in the region, amid growing concern that Iran could respond with missile and drone attacks.
The Journal said US military planners view expanded air and missile defense coverage as critical to limiting damage and escalation if Iran retaliates against American or allied targets.
US officials told the Journal that while limited airstrikes on Iran could be carried out quickly, a larger operation would likely prompt a proportional response from Tehran, making robust air defenses essential.
The US already has naval destroyers capable of intercepting aerial threats in the region and has increased their presence.
The buildup comes as President Donald Trump has sent what he described as an “armada” to the Middle East, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier group and F-35 fighter jets, while stopping short of saying whether he intends to use force.
