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Newsweek
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Satellite Photo Captures US Aircraft Carrier Deployed Near Iran
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new satellite image shows a U.S. Carrier Strike Group including the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier deployed off the south coast of Oman after the U.S. military withdrew another aircraft carrier against a backdrop of tentative hopes for easing tensions in the region. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Department of Defense for comment. This image captured by a European Space Agency satellite on July 13 shows the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier off the south coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea. The U.S. military has conducted operations against... This image captured by a European Space Agency satellite on July 13 shows the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier off the south coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea. The U.S. military has conducted operations against Yemen's Houthi group and various U.S. forces have been deployed in the area during Israel's war with Iran and U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear sites last month. More Copernicus/Sentinel Hub Why It Matters The presence of the Carrier Strike Group demonstrates the continuing active U.S. naval presence in the region and preparedness for further conflict despite a ceasefire between Israel and Iran and hopes for a resumption of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S.. The Carrier Strike Group has been operating in the CENTCOM's area of responsibility, where the U.S. military has conducted operations against Yemen's Houthi group and various U.S. forces have been deployed during Israel's war with Iran and U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear sites last month. What To Know Publicly available satellite images taken on Sunday show the Carrier Strike Group off the south coast of Oman. The USS Nimitz, which last month was in the South China Sea, and the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carriers have been operating in the Arabian Sea but the USS Carl Vinson left the Middle East on Friday, USNI news, the online news portal of the independent U.S. Naval Institute, reported on Monday. The satellite images from Sunday confirmed that the USS Nimitz and three Arleigh Burke destroyers were operating in the Carrier Strike Group off Oman, according to open-intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X. "This activity comes as regional maritime security remains a key focus, especially after recent incidents in the Southern Red Sea," Anderson said in his post. Tension over Iran's nuclear program has eased since Israel's 12-day bombing campaign and U.S. strikes on three nuclear facilities last month. President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran said recently his country was open to dialogue and was seriously pursuing diplomacy. President Donald Trump said last week Iran wanted to negotiate but no date has been set for talks. What People Are Saying President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran said in a statement: "We still believe that the window for diplomacy is open, and we are pursuing this peaceful path with determination and by mobilizing all political capacities." President Donald Trump said during a White House dinner with Israel's leader Benjamin Netanyahu last week: "They want to meet. They want to work something out. They're very different now than they were two weeks ago." What Happens Next Iran's president has opened the door again to possible diplomacy, but Iran has also emphasized its plans to continue its nuclear program while dismissing accusations that it plans to build nuclear weapons. The prospect of renewed confrontation remains high. Attacks on shipping by Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen are another potential source of regional conflict.
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Update: Satellite Photo Shows U.S. Forces at Key Indian Ocean Base
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New satellite imagery showed an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer stationed just north of Diego Garcia, the remote Indian Ocean island where the U.S. operates a key military base. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) for comment. Why It Matters With a fragile situation in the Middle East, the U.S. is strengtening its military posture in key command areas, deploying warplanes and ships to reinforce deterrence and be preapred for any attack. The constant reinforcements underscore the base's strategic role in responding to major threats from Iran, Houthi forces in Yemen, and broader regional instability. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on July 6 shows a U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyer positioned near the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on July 6 shows a U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyer positioned near the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. Copernicus/Sentinel Hub What To Know New satellite imagery also revealed four B-52 bombers, six KC-135 tankers, and six F-15 fighters, backed by an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer patrolling outside the atoll at the Diego Garcia base, according to open-intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X, formerly Twitter. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on July 6 shows military aircrafts at the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on July 6 shows military aircrafts at the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. Copernicus/Sentinel Hub Guided-missile destroyers are multi-mission warships equipped with advanced radar, long-range missiles, naval guns, and anti-submarine systems, designed to carry out both offensive and defensive missions—either independently or as part of a carrier strike group. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on July 6 shows a U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyer positioned near the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on July 6 shows a U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyer positioned near the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. Copernicus/Sentinel Hub The U.S. gains a major military advantage in the Indo-Pacific from Diego Garcia's location, about 2,200 miles from Iran and 3,000 from southern China. The base gives both the U.S. and Britain access to key capabilities — some secret — like an airfield, deep-water port, global GPS support, space tracking, and tools for monitoring nuclear activity. In the Middle East, aircraft carriers USS Nimitz and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) are operating in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, where the Yemeni Houthis continue to pose threats to maritime navigation. The Iranian-backed rebels, undeterred by heavy U.S. airstrikes earlier this year, have attacked a commercial vessel in the Red Sea for the first time since December, raising the prospect of renewed military conflict. The Houthis say they are acting in solidarity with Gaza as Israel wages war on Hamas there. What People Are Saying U.S. President Donald Trump, quoted by The Hill: "I will tell you that in my view, I hope it's over. I think Iran wants to meet. I think they want to make peace and I'm all for it. Now, if that's not the case, we are ready, willing, and able." Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Iran's Army Chief of Staff, as quoted by IRNA: "In the event of any evil act from the enemies, our response will be more crushing than before." What Happens Next The fragility of the situation in the Middle East means that U.S. forces could be called into action at any time on numerous fronts.
Newsweek
01-07-2025
- General
- Newsweek
New Satellite Image Shows U.S. Aircraft Carrier Deployed Near Iran
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new satellite image reveals the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier deployed in the Arabian Sea, near Iran. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iran's Foreign Ministry for comment. Why It Matters The deployment demonstrates the continuing active U.S. naval presence in the region and preparedness for further conflict despite the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The aircraft carrier has been operating within the CENTCOM's area of responsibility where it has been operating in April during the U.S. military campaign against Yemen's Houthi group and remained during Israel's war with Iran, in which the United States also conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. Image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on June 28 shows the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea. Copernicus/Sentinel Hub Image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on June 28 shows the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea. Copernicus/Sentinel Hub Copernicus/Sentinel Hub What To Know The satellite image capturing the USS Carl Vinson near Iran was identified by open-source intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X, formerly Twitter. Two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers were accompanying the carrier, he added. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) conducts operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 28, 2025 The U.S. Naval Institute's fleet and marine tracker update on Monday revealed the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, along with Carrier Air Wing 2, conducting operations in the Arabian Sea. The ship was spotted six days after the U.S. hit three major Iranian nuclear facilities — Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan — with B-2 stealth bombers which took off overnight from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, flying over 13,000 miles in a 36-hour-long round trip, according to the Pentagon. On Saturday, the Pentagon announced a $961.6 billion defense budget request. For the U.S. Navy, it revealed plans to build 19 new ships and improve nuclear shipyards, maintaining an overall fleet of 287 ships in 2026. What People Are Saying Open-source intelligence analyst MT Anderson wrote on X: "After playing hide-and-seek since May 4, 2025, the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and Carrier Strike Group 1 have finally popped back onto our radar. New satellite imagery from June 28, 2025, confirms their presence in the Northern Arabian Sea... It's a strong reminder that even when quiet, these global assets are always on mission. The reappearance of a full CSG highlights sustained readiness and strategic presence in a key region." U.S. Department of Defense on X, Monday: "Revitalizing the maritime industrial base in the United States ensures a robust naval presence and safeguards our interests at sea. @SECNAV emphasizes that shipbuilding is not just a matter of industry, it's vital for our national security." Iran's Armed Forces Spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, as quoted by Mehr News Agency: "The Islamic Republic of Iran has never considered the word 'cessation of conflict' as an option. The Zionist regime is never trustworthy, neither for anywhere in the world nor for Iran." What Happens Next The United States is sustaining naval readiness in the Middle East to ensure rapid response capabilities as tensions with Iran persist and there remains a high risk of a resumption of hostilities.
Miami Herald
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
New Satellite Image Shows U.S. Air Force Buildup at Key Indian Ocean Base
A new satellite image showed a buildup of U.S. Air Force assets at Diego Garcia, a strategic American base in the Indian Ocean. The development comes as tensions are high across the Middle East and Indo-Pacific after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) for comment. Diego Garcia serves as a critical forward base for U.S. military operations stretching from the Middle East to Southeast Asia. Its remote location and extensive airfield make it a key launching point for long-range strike missions and rapid-response deployments. The deployments at the base suggest a readiness for further military action in the region. The new satellite image revealed a U.S. aircraft presence at Diego Garcia that includes four B-52 strategic bombers, six F-15 fighter jets, and six KC-135 aerial refueling tankers, according to open-intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X, formerly known as Twitter. Diego Garcia's remote location-about 2,200 miles from Iran and 3,000 from southern China-provides a secure launch point for U.S. aircraft to conduct long-range missions and remain on station. Significant movement of military equipment at the air base had been taking place since March with experts believing it could be a staging point for any attack on Iran. In May, the U.S. Air Force announced that B-2 Spirit bombers had returned to Missouri after a deployment to Diego Garcia. On June 13, the U.S. launched a surprise overnight strike on three key Iranian nuclear facilities using B-2 stealth bombers that took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. The overnight mission relied on deception, aerial refueling, and near-total radio silence to maintain secrecy and tactical surprise. Decoy flights toward the Pacific diverted attention from the actual eastward strike. Codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer, seven B-2 bombers dropped over a dozen 30,000-pound bunker busters on deeply buried nuclear sites., making it the most ambitious U.S. stealth airstrike in decades. The bombers had also been used in striking Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen. Air Marshall Greg Bagwell, former Royal Air Force deputy operations chief told BBC Verify in June: "You would be able to maintain a sustained operation from [Diego Garcia] far more efficiently. You could literally have them round the clock operating." Diego Garcia's assets remain well-positioned to respond swiftly should tensions in the Middle East or Indo-Pacific escalate, as a ceasefire between Israel and Iran remains fragile and U.S.-Iran diplomatic negotiations are stalled in post-conflict tensions. Related Articles Defense Department Worker Charged with Stealing Top-Secret DocumentsB-2 Strikes on Iran Expose Limits of Elon Musk's 'Drone Swarms'Photos Show US Air Force Training for Pacific WarIs Donald Trump Considering Tactical Nukes Against Iran? What We Know 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
New Satellite Image Shows U.S. Air Force Buildup at Key Indian Ocean Base
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new satellite image showed a buildup of U.S. Air Force assets at Diego Garcia, a strategic American base in the Indian Ocean. The development comes as tensions are high across the Middle East and Indo-Pacific after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) for comment. Why It Matters Diego Garcia serves as a critical forward base for U.S. military operations stretching from the Middle East to Southeast Asia. Its remote location and extensive airfield make it a key launching point for long-range strike missions and rapid-response deployments. The deployments at the base suggest a readiness for further military action in the region. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on June 29 shows U.S. military aircraft posture at the Diego Garcia base. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on June 29 shows U.S. military aircraft posture at the Diego Garcia base. Copernicus/Sentinel Hub What To Know The new satellite image revealed a U.S. aircraft presence at Diego Garcia that includes four B-52 strategic bombers, six F-15 fighter jets, and six KC-135 aerial refueling tankers, according to open-intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X, formerly known as Twitter. Diego Garcia's remote location—about 2,200 miles from Iran and 3,000 from southern China—provides a secure launch point for U.S. aircraft to conduct long-range missions and remain on station. Imagery captured by Chinese satellite company MizarVision on June 25, 2025, shows U.S. forces at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a joint British-American military base in British Indian Ocean Territory roughly 2,650 miles southeast of... Imagery captured by Chinese satellite company MizarVision on June 25, 2025, shows U.S. forces at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a joint British-American military base in British Indian Ocean Territory roughly 2,650 miles southeast of Iran. More MizarVision Significant movement of military equipment at the air base had been taking place since March with experts believing it could be a staging point for any attack on Iran. In May, the U.S. Air Force announced that B-2 Spirit bombers had returned to Missouri after a deployment to Diego Garcia. On June 13, the U.S. launched a surprise overnight strike on three key Iranian nuclear facilities using B-2 stealth bombers that took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. The overnight mission relied on deception, aerial refueling, and near-total radio silence to maintain secrecy and tactical surprise. Decoy flights toward the Pacific diverted attention from the actual eastward strike. Codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer, seven B-2 bombers dropped over a dozen 30,000-pound bunker busters on deeply buried nuclear sites., making it the most ambitious U.S. stealth airstrike in decades. The bombers had also been used in striking Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen. What People Are Saying Air Marshall Greg Bagwell, former Royal Air Force deputy operations chief told BBC Verify in June: "You would be able to maintain a sustained operation from [Diego Garcia] far more efficiently. You could literally have them round the clock operating." What Happens Next Diego Garcia's assets remain well-positioned to respond swiftly should tensions in the Middle East or Indo-Pacific escalate, as a ceasefire between Israel and Iran remains fragile and U.S.-Iran diplomatic negotiations are stalled in post-conflict tensions.
