The USA has prepared its troops for an attack on Iran.Image: EPA
Donald Trump has set up a huge threat scene in front of Iran: aircraft carriers, air defense, fighter jets. A look at the map shows the extent of the US military presence.
Feb 20, 2026, 6:16 p.mFeb 20, 2026, 6:16 p.m
Will the USA soon attack Iran? The material for this is available. In recent weeks, the US military has continually expanded its capabilities in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump spoke of an “armada”. And rightly so: Data from the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University illustrates how extensive the array of aircraft, ships and military bases is.
Even when viewed individually, the US’s military means are no less impressive or threatening, depending on your point of view.
In the air: Largest contingent since the Iraq War
The Wall Street Journal recently wrote that the US has never relocated so many aircraft to the Middle East since the Iraq War in 2003. This would make a week-long air war against Iran possible. F-22 and F-35 fighter jets are used, which are difficult to detect for ground-based air defenses because of their design.
An American F-35 during an exercise. Image: EPA
To combat Iranian anti-aircraft missiles, the EA-18 Growler could be used – a fighter aircraft capable of sending electronic jamming signals. In the event of Iranian counterstrikes, the F-15E and F-16 would be responsible for drone defense.
The B2 bombers would take off from the USA if they were used. This was the case last year when Trump ordered the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities.
During the bombing of the Iranian nuclear facilities, the American B2 stealth bombers were in the air for around 36 hours.Image: keystone
Other aircraft would probably provide support, including the KC-135 cargo plane, which can refuel fighter jets, bombers, helicopters and early warning aircraft in the air.
In the event of a longer campaign, large transport aircraft such as the C-17 and C-5 could be used to replenish equipment and ammunition.
On water: destroyers and aircraft carriers
The USA has also sent a lot of heavy equipment to Iran by sea. Around a dozen ships are ready in the Middle East, including nine destroyers, as the Wall Street Journal writes. The latter could fire ballistic missiles.
Also part of the American threatening backdrop: two aircraft carriers. One of these is the USS Gerald R. Ford, which is currently within striking distance of Iran. The aircraft carrier passed through the Strait of Gibraltar on Friday morning, the BBC reported. The USS Gerald R. Ford is the world’s largest ship of its kind, over 330 meters long, weighing more than 100,000 tons and costing around 13 billion US dollars. Two nuclear reactors operate the massive steel ship.
The crew of the USS Gerald R. Ford consists of around 4,500 people. Image: keystone
The USS Abraham Lincoln, which is only slightly smaller, is already in position southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. It also offers a landing opportunity for the numerous fighter jets.
On the ground: air defense systems and bases.
There are American bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The USA has placed additional air defense systems at several of these bases in recent months. The American troops are thus preparing themselves for possible retaliatory strikes.
The USA relies on the so-called “Thaad” and “Patriot” systems. While the former can defend against ballistic missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere, the latter are good for protection against lower-flying projectiles.
A lot of staff is required to operate this system. A “Thaad” battery requires between 90 and 100 soldiers, according to the US Congress website.