Lots of rumors about potential action in connection with Iran. There are numerous reports of military targets in Iran suffering explosions. There is also the continuing activities of the people in Iran who are protesting the regime. Despite the ruthless suppression by the government, the protests are not dying down and, in fact, more and more students are joining the protests.
Chuck Shiflett has some insights:
Go Time??? There is a lot of breaking news concerning a possible attack on Iran… and due to the fluidity of the situation, instead of doing a deep dive I’ll just highlight the key points here. Last week, I did a deep dive and leaned toward the US strike beginning sometime after the State of the Union speech with Feb 28th probably being the latest date. I feel strongly it will happen this week. Here’s why and be sure to read to the end…
- The US typically will not move the F22 stealth fighter into theater until just before hostilities are expected. The US recently moved one squadron to England, but hours ago, 11 of those 12 planes landed at Ovda Air Base in southern Israel. One plane experienced technical issues in route and returned to England. Never before has the US deployed F22s in Israel.
- A second squadron of twelve F22s plus refueling tankers is now in route and expected to land in England soon and then continue on to the Middle East.
- Today, the “Gang of Eight” was summoned to the White House for an urgent meeting with Sec. of State Rubio and other key administration leaders concerning possible military action against Iran. This typically occurs just prior to major military operations beginning. The “Gang” consists of two Republicans and two Democrats from the Senate and the same from the House. The Democrats leaving the meeting appeared shaken.
- Two Iranian nuclear scientists died in a mysterious car crash today. We’ve seen these same actions previously many times from the Israeli Mossad agents operating in Iran. The US is heavily dependent on Israel for on-the-ground intel and espionage there as we have very limited capabilities in Iran proper. This action is to sew fear among Iranian leadership that we know where they are and can take them out. I think the US would prefer the Iranian people take out the actual Mullahs, but if that fails… we could.
- There has been a lot of action over the past few days in Iran preparing the ground for an anti-regime revolution with hundreds of protests and small attacks on regime compounds, assets, and even on minor regime members and their families. Some IRGC members are reported to have defected to the anti-regime side as they see the writing on the wall.
- Israel is rapidly setting up mobile bomb shelters across the northern part of the country in anticipation of a response from the Lebanon based Hezbollah terrorist group. IRGC commanders recently came in from Iran to take over Hezbollah operations because they feel Hezbollah did not adequately unload on Israel during the last dust up between Israel and Iran last year.
- SEAD configured Wild Weasel F16s have just been moved from a US base in Japan to Diego Garcia within strike range of Iran. These are typically used to target air defenses and would be among the first wave of aircraft to launch.
- Do not be surprised if Trump drops a major revelation about something involving Iran that adds justification to us striking them. I have been told in general what the issue is, but the decision to disclose it has not been made yet. If made public, it would be huuuge.
- I could go and on detailing movement of aircraft and weapons systems, but this is the final piece that tells me everything is a go for this week… it’s all of the chatter from within the IDF, Israeli intel community, and Israeli leaders pointing to action being imminent. Watch what is happening on the ground in Israel involving their military and civilian emergency responders. The underground hospitals have been activated and patients are being transferred in.
Tonight, say a prayer for the President, his cabinet, our military leadership and war planners… and most importantly for our frontline military personnel… especially our pilots.