Amid rising tensions with Iran, the US has taken a major military step in the Middle East. The US said on Monday that one of its powerful naval strike groups, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, has been deployed in Middle Eastern waters. The deployment comes at a time when Iran has warned that it will respond strongly if the US takes any military action against it.
Anti-government protests and heavy violence in Iran
Anti-government protests have been going on in Iran since the end of December. Initially, these protests were about inflation and economic problems, but after January 8, this movement turned into a mass movement against the Islamic Republic. A huge crowd was seen on the streets for several days.
Human rights organizations allege that Iranian security forces used unprecedented violence to suppress these protests. According to reports, the security forces opened fire directly on the protesters in the event of internet shutdown. This internet shutdown in Iran has been going on for the past 18 days, which is being considered as the longest blackout ever.
Claims differ on the death toll
Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a US-based human rights organization, said that 5,848 people have been confirmed dead so far, including 209 security personnel. The organization says it is currently investigating 17,091 more possible deaths, meaning the real figure could be many times higher.
According to HRANA, 41,283 people have been arrested so far. At the same time, the Iranian government released official figures for the first time and said that 3,117 people died. The government claims that most of these were civilians killed in violence by security personnel or “rioters”. Internet monitoring organization NetBlocks has said that due to the shutdown of the Internet, the real situation is not being revealed to the world and the government is promoting its side.
US military deployment and Trump’s statement
US President Donald Trump has already warned Iran. Last week, he said that the US was sending a “heavy naval fleet” to the region to deal with any situation. Now with the arrival of USS Abraham Lincoln, the US military power in the region has increased significantly. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on social media platform X that the strike group was deployed to “maintain security and stability in the Middle East”.
It is worth noting that the US supported Israel in the 12-day war against Iran in June. Although Trump has recently indicated that he may be backing away from direct military action, he has never completely ruled out this option.
Iran’s stern warning
Iran’s foreign ministry warned the US that any attack would be met with a “comprehensive and regrettable response”. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai said that Iran has full confidence in its military capabilities and will not back down under any pressure. He pointed to the aircraft carrier and said, “The presence of such warships cannot weaken Iran’s determination to defend its country.”
Anti-American message in Tehran
A new anti-American billboard has been installed in Engelab Square in Tehran, the capital of Iran, showing the destruction of an American aircraft carrier. It is written in English – “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.” (If you blow the air, you will cut the storm.) Shahram Irani, head of the Iranian Navy, said that Iran’s naval power is not only defensive, but a force that maintains stability in the entire region.
Regional responses and global concerns
In Lebanon, Iran-backed organization Hezbollah held a rally in support of Iran. The organization’s leader, Naeem Qassem, warned that “if war is imposed on Iran this time, the entire region will be engulfed in flames.” At the same time, Iran’s neighboring country United Arab Emirates (UAE) has clarified that it will not allow any attack on Iran from its territory, while there is a large US airbase there.
Strong demand for trees from Europe
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has demanded from the European Union that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards be declared a terrorist organization, as the US and Canada have already done. He says that heavy deaths of protestors demand strict action on this.