Is 'Terrified' Trump Quietly Preparing For A Bigger Iran War With More Special Ops & Bombers? | USA

[00:00:00]As the war with Iran expands, President Trump is rushing more US military forces into the Middle East [music] amid fears of a wider regional conflict. The Pentagon is assembling additional strike assets, sending a clear message that Washington [music] is preparing for multiple military scenarios.

[00:00:17]Trump's military playbook is rapidly expanding as the United [music] States positions more forces across the region.

[00:00:23]The big question now is whether this growing American buildup will be enough to shift the balance against Iran.

[00:00:29]The United States is rapidly reinforcing the Middle East as [music] President Trump weighs broader military options against Iran. Special operations forces are deploying from American bases while fighter squadrons are being repositioned across the Gulf. According to the Wall Street Journal, long-range bombers based in both the United [music] States and the United Kingdom have reportedly been placed on heightened alert. Officials say the objective is to provide President Trump [music] with maximum military flexibility as the conflict enters a more dangerous phase.

[00:01:00]>> [music] >> US military officials insist the deployments do not necessarily mean a major offensive is imminent. However, the scale of the buildup shows Washington wants every option available if the conflict escalates further.

[00:01:18]Retired Sentcom commander General Joseph Votel says the force surge is designed to give the White House maximum operational flexibility. The Pentagon has refused to discuss specific operational details, citing national security [music] concerns. The latest deployments followed deadly Iranian attacks on US military facilities in Jordan. Three American service members were killed while dozens more were wounded in those strikes. A fourth US service member later died in Iraq during the control detonation [music] of an Iranian drone.

[00:01:53]>> [music] >> Iran's foreign ministry issued a stern public warning directed at President [music] Trump as his administration discussed possible invasion options, portraying Washington's threats as provocative and unlawful. Spokesperson is smile Bagghai told state [music] media that Kag Island residents were prepared to resist and give US troops the reception they deserve. Language intended to [music] convey civilian as well as military opposition to any landing. The timing of Thran's warning came after public comments from President Trump about a potential operation [music] targeting Car Island, linking diplomatic protest with direct rhetorical push back.

[00:02:30]>> They will soon see the consequences. I believe there are people in that very region and they are not few who are counting down the minutes to give these individuals, American troops, the reception they deserve. We have seen and tested their so-called readiness for diplomacy before. When the United States talks about diplomacy, it actually means dictation, intimidation, threats, and sanctions. Definitely, as long as they are in that position and seek imposing their demands on the Iranian nation, our response will be defending Iran's dignity and national sovereignty.

[00:03:04]Proposals have been put forward and conveyed to us by the mediators. We have received them, but please excuse me from going into their details. However, the main point that the diplomatic apparatus has been active and that ideas from some mediators have reached us is confirmed.

[00:03:21]We have asked them neighboring countries repeatedly to in line with their obligations under international law and the principle of good neighboringness stop America from using their territory and facilities to attack an Islamic country. What we are doing is self-defense under the natural right to legitimate defense. As long as these crimes and military aggression against Iran continue, our armed forces will continue to respond.

[00:03:47]Tran statement coincided with media [music] reporting that US planners were reviewing potential ground options in the region. A convergence that heightened diplomatic tensions [music] and public alarm. Leaks and reporting about US contingency plans named Car Island seizure and precision attacks on Pickax Mountain among proposed options.

[00:04:04]measures that Iranian officials specifically call provocative. On July 14th, the president publicly said he might authorize a ground campaign [music] if it seems appropriate.

[00:04:12]Comments that tan seized upon as evidence of imminent threat and use to justify its strong public rebuttals. The president also floated the idea that [music] allied regional partners could take operational responsibility for controlling K Island, a suggestion critics say would not eliminate [music] the political and military risks of occupation. The military buildup comes as the United States launches [music] its 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military targets.

[00:04:38][music] Donald Trump has ordered a 12th consecutive night of US air strikes against Iran, signaling that Washington has no intention of easing military pressure. The latest wave of attacks marks another major escalation as missiles and warplanes continue [music] striking targets across Iran. US Central Command says the campaign is focused on reducing Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait [music] of Hormuz. US Central Command statement read, and I quote, "At 5:30 p.m. Eastern time today, US forces began launching more strikes against Iranian military targets at the commander-in-chief's direction. The mission will continue to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters." unquote. At 10:30 p.m. Eastern time on July 22nd, US Central Command [music] Sentcom forces completed another round of strikes against Iran for the 12th consecutive night. US forces struck Iranian [music] military targets, including maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defense assets. The strikes further degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels. This month, American forces have targeted dozens of Iranian military sites on land while resuming a blockade [music] against Iran at sea. As of today, Sentcom has redirected nine commercial vessels and disabled one to prevent ships from entering or departing Iranian ports. More than 50,000 US service members are operating across the Middle East and remain highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready," unquote.

[00:06:14]Fresh explosions have been reported around Iran's Busher region as Iranian media accuses the United States of expanding its campaign. Blasts were also reported near Avaz while explosions echoed through Sirk in southern Iran.

[00:06:27]Iranian media says areas near the Shalam border crossing with Iraq also came under attack. According to Press TV, the United States struck arrest area used by Iranian police officers near the crossing. Iranian reports claimed three people were killed in the strike at the Shalamair border crossing. Meanwhile, Sentcom insists that Iran cannot dictate access to the straight of Hormuz. US Central Command statement read, and I quote, [music] "Claim, Today, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC, Navy claimed that it controls exit and entry [music] to the straight of Hormu, suggesting that international mariners can only use routes the IRGC prefers.

[00:07:03]This is false. Fact: Iran does not control the straight of Hormuz. The international waterway remains open for transit regardless of IRGC threats and attacks. Commercial vessels continue to use the strait with US military support.

[00:07:18]Since early May, American forces have helped [music] more than 900 ships transit the strait."

[00:07:24]The United States says it has successfully escorted hundreds of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz despite repeated Iranian threats.

[00:07:32]At the same time, Iran's foreign minister is warning that anyone supporting American attacks could also become a legitimate target. Iranian foreign minister Abbasarachi said, and I quote, "Our defense doctrine [music] is clear, eye for an eye. Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response. Those who contribute to such aggression, whatever the kind of support, will also be considered as legitimate targets."

[00:07:59]unquote. Iran's top diplomat has delivered one of Thran's strongest warnings yet, signaling that the conflict could rapidly expand beyond direct US Iran confrontation. Iranian Parliament Speaker Muhammad Bagghar Galabath said, and I quote, "The equation of this war is clear. Either all or none. In a region where we do not sell oil, no one will sell oil. If our security is not insured, no infrastructure will be safe and the security of the strait is in the absence of American forces. We have repeatedly said that the situation of the strait will not return to pre-war conditions."

[00:08:35]Iran is warning that the latest US strikes will be met with an even stronger response. Initial reports also indicate explosions near Jordan's Akaba port, raising fears that the conflict is spreading even further. The IRGC has also claimed responsibility for a drone raid targeting US military facilities in Kuwait. Kuwaiti air defenses remain on high alert as they continue intercepting hostile drones. The Kuwait Army statement read, and I quote, "The Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting attacks by hostile drones following the sinful Iranian aggression.

[00:09:08]The general staff of the army notes that any explosion sounds, if heard, are the result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks.

[00:09:16]Everyone is requested to adhere to the security and safety instructions [music] issued by the competent authorities."

[00:09:22]unquote. Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthies say they have launched fresh attacks on two Saudi oil tankers. The group claims both vessels violated what it describes as its naval blockade.

[00:09:34]>> The Yemeni armed forces carried out a qualitative military operation targeting two Saudi oil tankers that violated the blockade imposed by the armed forces in the Red Sea. One tanker was named in Celia and the other is Leila and the operation was carried out by a number of ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones. The strikes were precise thanks to Allah's grace and assistance and resulted in a large fire broke out on both vessels. In the same context, the Yemeni armed forces forced approximately 10 ships to retreat and return. The armed forces will continue their naval operations against the Saudi enemy and will persist in enforcing the siege for siege equation. We affirm to the Saudi enemy that any fio aggression targeting our country will be met with large-scale operations deep within its territory and the consequences will be dire for it by LR's will and power. The United Kingdom maritime trade operations confirmed an incident southwest of Saudi Arabia's Alshu cake. British maritime authorities said no casualties or environmental damage [music] have been reported so far. From the straight of Hormuz to the Red Sea, the conflict is now expanding across multiple strategic [music] waterways. Missiles, drones, and attacks on commercial shipping are pushing the Middle East war into an even more dangerous phase.