What US military assets could be deployed in the Middle East?
As tensions rise in the Middle East, CNN has reported on the types of military power the United States could deploy in the region, especially if the conflict involving Iran expands. The report outlines US Navy strike groups, aircraft, and special weapons that may be used if needed.
The USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group includes:
The USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group includes:
CNN noted that one of the key US military tools is the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (GBU-57), a bomb designed to hit underground targets like nuclear facilities.
According to CNN, this weapon is unique to the United States and can only be deployed by the B-2 stealth bomber.
CNN said this capability might be necessary if any country wanted to target deeply buried sites such as Iran's Fordow nuclear facility.
CNN's report stated that Israel currently holds air superiority over Iran. Its military has been able to carry out attacks with limited resistance and has likely degraded Iran's air defences and missile launch capabilities.
Israel is also said to have a significant advantage in intelligence, helping it strike targets more effectively. Iran's military is outmatched, with limited effective air power remaining. While Iran has a stockpile of missiles, CNN said that many of the launch sites have already been hit by Israeli strikes.
Israel has strong air power, it may lack the ability to destroy heavily fortified sites like Fordow on its own. The report said that the US is the only country that possesses the necessary weapons and delivery systems to carry out such deep underground attacks.
According to CNN, without US support, alternatives like ground operations would be the only option, which could escalate the conflict further.
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