Iran: strikes after markets close?
The American military build-up continues. If a long war breaks out, would China view it as an opportunity to move on Taiwan?
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Over the last few days, the USA has moved at least 4 B-52H heavy bombers to Diego Garcia. These planes are capable of nuclear strikes, but also of carrying massive amounts of ordinance that can be deployed after air defences are neutralised. The USA also deployed six EA-18G Growlers, which specialise in electronic warfare to neutralise air defence. Also seen moving towards the region were additional F-35A jets, as well as more destroyers, which can both intercept missiles and launch ground attack Tomahawk cruise missiles. There is also evidence suggesting that more Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) systems are being moved. This suggests that strikes are increasingly likely. Trump tends to favour big escalation after markets close on Fridays.
At least two Iranian officials have expressed willingness to negotiate, including the First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and the Speaker of Parliament. They both requested guarantees that there would not be attacks while talks were ongoing. Iranian military leaders have said that their orders are to respond immediately to any American attack.
