Protests in Iran continue, US amassing forces in the Middle East

According to Reuters data as of January 20, Iranian authorities unofficially confirm information about at least 5,000 deaths since the beginning of the unrest, including about 500 security forces. The most violent clashes took place in areas densely populated by Kurds in the north-west of the country.

According to Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA, USA) as of January 19, at least 4,029 people were killed during protests in Iran, at least 5,811 people were seriously injured, and 26,015 protest participants were arrested.

The opposition resource Iran International previously announced tens of thousands of deaths.

Pro-government demonstrations are being organized in Tehran and other regions of Iran.

War scenario

Against this background, special attention is paid to US preparations for the concentration of armed forces in the Middle East.

A US Navy carrier strike group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln entered the Indian Ocean on its way to the Middle East, according to Marine Traffic data.

The aircraft carrier is escorted by the destroyers Spruance, Michael Murphy and Frank Petersen, equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles.

The aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln hosts three squadrons of F/A-18 combat fighters and one squadron of fifth-generation F-35C fighters.

According to military analysts, we are talking about possible preparations for attacks on Iran.

Israel continues to prepare for an Iranian attack, which could follow an American strike on Iran if US President Donald Trump makes such a decision. It is assumed that Trump’s order may follow in the coming days.

General Director of the Aviation Industry concern Boaz Levy denied reports of a shortage of interceptor missiles for the Hetz-3 missile defense system. “We are ready to repel enemy attacks; there are enough interceptors to counter any threat,” he said on Can Bet. According to him, after the Jewish state faced an arms embargo, the production of key components and components was transferred to Israel, and its pace increased significantly: enterprises operate in three shifts, production can be further expanded.

The Walla website quoted a source in the defense establishment as saying that, from a military point of view, Iran’s position is now much worse than before Operation People Like a Lion. During the 12-day war, many launchers, missile depots, air defense systems, and command centers were destroyed. He also talks about increasing the production of Israeli air defense systems.

After studying the experience of the operation against Iran, the interception policy was changed, the capabilities of the early warning system were increased, and interaction with the Central Command of the US Armed Forces and the countries of the region was improved. There is also an increase in the American military presence in the Middle East, including air defense systems. This will help protect not only Israel, but also American interests.

The Israeli rear command has not yet published new instructions in the event of a possible Iranian attack.