24 Jan 2026

The Middle East is heating up with a massive US military buildup towards Iran, including a flotilla of warships. Iran has threatened President Trump and warned of assassination attempts, while the US has imposed fresh sanctions and rumours of strikes are circulating. The situation is tense, with potential consequences including oil price spikes and regional instability.

A US carrier strike group, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, is in the Persian Gulf, projecting power with a layered approach of F-35s, EA18G Growlers, F-18s, and F-15s. The UK is also contributing, sending Eurofighter Typhoons to Qatar. This military build-up, coupled with economic sanctions on Iran, suggests a potential escalation in tensions, possibly leading to strikes on IRGC targets and a response from Iran, including drone swarms.