The Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) released updated data on Thursday morning detailing the extensive US military deployment in the region. The force includes two aircraft carriers (USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush), over 25 vessels, F-35A stealth fighters, F-15E and F-16 jets, EA-37B electronic warfare planes, E-11A communications relays, E-3G AWACS, P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and B-1B bombers that have begun striking targets in Iran from UK bases. A growing European air presence is also noted, likely for potential diplomatic evacuation.
The Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) released a detailed update on the US military deployment in the Middle East on Thursday at 11:53 Jerusalem, providing the most comprehensive breakdown yet of American force posture. The data, attributed to INSS researcher Nitzan Shapira, specifies two aircraft carrier strike groups—the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush—along with over 25 vessels, F-35A stealth fighters, F-15E and F-16 fighter jets, EA-37B electronic warfare aircraft, E-11A communications relay planes, E-3G AWACS, and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The report also confirms that B-1B bombers have begun striking targets in Iran from bases in the United Kingdom, and notes a growing European air presence assessed as preparing for potential non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO). This update builds on earlier INSS data released at 11:13 Jerusalem today, which had already highlighted the B-1B strikes and the presence of two carriers, and on The Zioneer's report at 10:34 Jerusalem detailing the 12th consecutive night of strikes.
On Wednesday, July 22, reports from Axios and i24NEWS cited US officials and sources confirming that the United States had deployed B-1 strategic bombers to strike Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran, with the first such strike occurring on Tuesday. Senior US officials confirmed the bombers' involvement. Later that day, INSS data provided a preliminary picture of the broader US force buildup, including two aircraft carriers, over 25 vessels, and the B-1B operations from UK bases. The Zioneer's own coverage today at 10:34 Jerusalem detailed the intensification of the campaign with B-1 heavy bomber strikes, and at 11:13 Jerusalem, INSS data confirmed the B-1B bombers were striking from UK bases.
The US force buildup has been unfolding over recent weeks. As The Zioneer reported on July 20, the US plans to send additional F-16 and F-35 jets and tankers to the Middle East. On July 19, a security source said the US plans to deploy roughly 100 aerial refueling aircraft to Israel. OSINT sources tracked a significant concentration of US aircraft over the Persian Gulf on July 8, assessed as a prelude to strikes. The European air presence, while not yet explained, aligns with earlier reports of potential evacuation preparations.
The exact number and national origins of the European aircraft have not been specified. The INSS assessment of their role as preparation for evacuation remains unconfirmed by official sources. The overall force posture continues to evolve as the campaign against Iran continues.
16 developments
- DevelopingOSINT sources: US aircraft concentration over Persian Gulf indicates imminent Iran strikes
- StrongNew York Post: US stations two aircraft carriers in Gulf of Oman as pressure on Iran grows
- StrongReport: Four US Navy vessels deployed in Gulf as part of 'naval siege on Iran'
- ConfirmedUS plans to deploy roughly 100 aerial refueling aircraft to Israel, security source says
Source and signal
- Internal intake