US builds up Mid-East strength against rising tension over “Deal of the Century and Iran

The USS Bataan strike group and the 2,400-strong 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are being deployed to the Mid-East ready for unexpected trouble arising from spiraling tension with Iran and potential reactions to the release of Donald Trump’s “Deal of the Century” – a plan for an Israel-Palestinian peace –  early next week.
On Friday, Jan. 24, the USS Bataan amphibious assault ship, escorted by two other battleships, had reached the Red Sea opposite the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. They had taken part in a naval exercise with Morocco, which was interrupted for their new mission.

US intelligence watchers believe that Iran is getting ready to expand its assaults on US and allied targets, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, in escalating payback for the US assassination of Al Qods chief Gen. Qassem Soleimani on Jan. 3.

On Friday, the Pentagon revealed that 34 US servicemen had suffered “traumatic brain injury” from Iran’s missile strikes on the US Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq on Jan. 8. Earlier, only 11 were reported injured, while President Trump had stated initially that no US troops had been hurt in the attack.

Gen. Frank McKenzie, head of the US Central Command in the Middle East, speaking from the deck of the Bataan, said, “Although the Soleimani killing was a deterrent, Iran continues to pose a very real threat.”

DEBKAfile’s military sources additionally attribute the latest American military movements to a reassessment of the tasks assigned to the US forces stationed in Iraq. Their new focus has moved to the semiautonomous Kurdish Republic (KRG) in northern Iraq. The three US airbases in other parts of the country, Ain al Asad, Balad and Taiji, will remain in place. However, three new American bases are under construction in Kurdistan.

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63 thoughts on “US builds up Mid-East strength against rising tension over “Deal of the Century and Iran

  • Jan 25, 2020 @ 13:02 at 13:02
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    The Iranians do not care about Arabs used as pawns by Islamic countries to war against and terrorize Israel for the past 70 years – they only care about spreading the revolution, the Terrorstinisns are just convenient props they use to impress leftists in EU and UN.

    A peace plan is like blood to sharks – it attracts their attention because the last thing Islamists want is peace – peace is an affront to their Islamist ideology and puts up a roadblock to their conquest.

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 17:29 at 17:29
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      The Supreme Leader Khamenei saw Iran General Hossein Salami Shaking Out his Carpet in Tehran asking What’s wrong Hossein? Won’t Our Shiia Jet Fighter Start?

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 18:19 at 18:19
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      mossada söyleyin iranın dini lideri ali hamaneyi öldürün ve diğer mollaları öldürün sonra iran halkını ülke geneli ayaklandırıp iran molla rejimini yıkın

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 22:25 at 22:25
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      It makes me remember Yitzak Rabin.

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 22:27 at 22:27
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      It makes me remember Yitzak Rabin.

      • Jan 26, 2020 @ 13:34 at 13:34
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        Iran and Koran true Islam are existential enemies of America and all non fanatical Moslem societies.
        Western society has to decide if their grand children are destined to be moslem slaves or servants of GOD and free.

    • Jan 26, 2020 @ 9:15 at 9:15
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      Why Trump lied about US casualties? He lost his mind? US forces came under missile attack in their own bases. W T F

      • Jan 27, 2020 @ 5:22 at 5:22
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        Mick,
        You are surprised?????? He has over 16,000 lies since 2016. He’s a living BS machine.

    • Jan 26, 2020 @ 9:25 at 9:25
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      Unbelievable US army can accept such a thing like Iran attack US bases with ballistic missiles and president of United States says its ok (and no one get hurt)? When you hear the news about US troops casualties you ask yourself how on earth US army can accept such behavior from Trump and how furious they must be now.

      • Jan 27, 2020 @ 2:10 at 2:10
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        Because if anything more would have been done the potential for more US blood would have occurred. Trump acted with caution. If Iran would have done more Trump would have unloaded. An excuse to close their bomb R & D down.

        • Jan 27, 2020 @ 5:27 at 5:27
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          Bone Spur Trumpf is a coward and war wouldn’t be profitable for him and his family. The troops and anyone who isn’t a millionaire is expendable and worth nothing to him.

    • Jan 26, 2020 @ 11:09 at 11:09
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      @Peace is anathema…” : Non of this or your opinion will change a thing. More blood will be shed on all sides (including civilians) and carry on and on because no one at the top wants it any different. By the way, everyone’s definition of “peace” is different.

  • Jan 25, 2020 @ 13:06 at 13:06
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    I’m living for many years inside the Israel and have never felt unsafe like today’s. U.S. just want to sell it’s weapon and no where is better than middle east. But I’m completely sure that if any war start in region, just one side will win on that and that side is Iran. I rather to leave TLV with my family instead seating and watch how Iran will attacks and destroy all Israel and Saudi and U.S. camp in region.

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 16:25 at 16:25
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      Gee big surprise a non believing jew. Someday the scales will fall from your eyes and you will see the one whom your people Pierced. then you will have your peace

      • Jan 25, 2020 @ 19:44 at 19:44
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        “Aviva” isn’t a jew or an Israeli and almost certainly the guy writing the comment and signing it with that name did so because tel aviv is the only name of a place in Israel that he knows there in Tehran

        • Jan 25, 2020 @ 21:05 at 21:05
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          He can list any other city in Palestine, but Tel Aviv is your capital.

          • Jan 26, 2020 @ 7:22 at 7:22
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            It is? Maybe YOUR capital, but not Israel’s

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 17:37 at 17:37
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      @AvivaC… Well, it is more Unsafe to Live in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza & Yemen due to IRGC, PMU, Hizballah, Hamas, & Houthis Killing Protesters seeking Freedom from Oppression unlike in Israel! The only thing Iran Military & Proxies has Accomplished is Shooting Down Civilian Airlines & Lies about it? If you are Fearful, Thank Jehovah-Allah You Live in Israel!

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 18:09 at 18:09
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      Open up your King James Bible and you will learn that Isreal, with the help of God, wins in the end.

      • Jan 25, 2020 @ 19:41 at 19:41
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        I suggest you read this book raptureless.com to educate yourself about Israel. God is not indebted to no one. He kept his promises, the land promises were conditional and Israel blew it. Read Joshua 23:14-15

        • Jan 26, 2020 @ 3:35 at 3:35
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          Matthew 11:6

          ‘blind receive sight, and lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and deaf hear, dead are raised, and poor have good news proclaimed, and happy is he who may not be stumbled in me’.

          (For he said to them, “This is the rest; give rest to the weary, and this is the tranquility,” but they would not listen.)

          • Jan 26, 2020 @ 14:00 at 14:00
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            Iran and Koran true Islam are existential enemies of America and all non fanatical Moslem societies.
            Western society has to decide if their grand children are destined to be moslem slaves or servants of GOD and free.
            Israel is eternally bound to the Holy Land, exiles and destruction are the curses for the incorrigible sinfulness we have been guilty of and are guilty of today. We MUST get straight with God oh Yeshurun. Read Tanach and follow God because our leaders failed us – Isaiah 9:15.

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 19:17 at 19:17
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      I do not believe that you are an Israeli living in Israel. No Israeli would write a comment like you have.I think you live in Shamutta Street in Teheran

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 20:08 at 20:08
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      Dear troll, Israel has never been more secure in 72 years of modern existence. I suggest you check out the live stream webcams of Jerusalem & Tel Aviv after the Ayatolla turns your internet back on.

    • Jan 26, 2020 @ 1:37 at 1:37
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      Aviva c its obvious many many years living in israel you have not been there in 1967 0r 1973 i was these little gaza 10 tay limited idf strikes is not war stick around you will see how the idf fights like unchained lions when really under the threat of extinction now go hide under the bed

    • Jan 26, 2020 @ 7:15 at 7:15
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      don’t worry…they are all mouth and their way of war is terror…vicious propaganda with a few artrosities to underline the bold image they project but a few waves of tomahawks and MOAB’S and eye a toll a will whisle dixie to call off the war with america…Israel is covered and if dem’s get white house..Israel will be on its own..and thats not kosher..don’t be concerned. beware of Egypt.

  • Jan 25, 2020 @ 13:27 at 13:27
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    Jewish people are nothing for U.S. politicians. They only look for oil and don’t pay attention to nobody or nothings else.
    If they find that the extracting oil from middle east is too costly for them, they will left us here and we will die less than a day.

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 17:53 at 17:53
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      @ECohen… Unlike in Iran where you will go to Prison, you can Post your comments in Israel & Protests without being Killed!

  • Jan 25, 2020 @ 14:05 at 14:05
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    Just a couple of things:
    1. The USA is not looking for oil. We are actually now net exporters of energy. The market is complex but the USA is probably “looking for oil” in the Middle East less than is Israel.
    2. Editorial for the article? The USA has no battleships in service. Warships, yes.

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 15:35 at 15:35
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      Great Corrective comment -The US Navy has no Battleships in service. Debka needs to proof read what it reports.

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 17:58 at 17:58
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      @HB… The World has more Oil Wealth more than ever before & All Nations can benefit whether they have it or not, except Iran Shiia Regime that chooses to use such revenues for Violence, Weapons & Nuclear Bombs to use on Israel as they said Many Times to Many Media & People since 1979! Iran Leaders Need To Change!

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 18:04 at 18:04
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      Jehovah Revealed His Spirit for All of Mankind Centuries before “The Rapture” was ever Written! Abrahamic Christianity & Islam Follow Judaism Pathways by Prose, Poems, & Scriptures. “Turn Every Stranger Into Family & Every Enemy Into A Friend”! Someday Iran Shiia Regime Will Follow Such Wisdom!

  • Jan 25, 2020 @ 16:40 at 16:40
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    Clearly – Stopping the Netanyahu-Neocon war on Iran is what’s for breakfast this morning

    Netanyahu and Gantz are making their move to try to annex Palestine undercover of a war on Iran. No sutra for them!

    America has been radicalized by stopping this Netanyahu-Neocon war on Iran, radicalized against Kahanist extremists, we’re stopping their war on Iran and they will be stopped from annexation of Palestine

    Netanyahu is green-lighted for prosecution of his felonies before the March 2 Israeli election and he’s pulling the Israeli apartheid and American-Israeli Kahanism down with him, bless his heart

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 18:12 at 18:12
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      @ClearStop… Clearly, only Iran since 1979 has Chosen to export Caliphate Violence throughout the World & Global Nations have asked Iran Shiia Regime to Cease & Desist such Violence even with Billion$ for Persian$, Mideastern’$ & every Person’$! Iran Regime Intentionally Chooses Violence & the World has grown Tired of Them!

  • Jan 25, 2020 @ 16:42 at 16:42
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    Black Flag on the Max Boot-Pence-Mossad War on Iran Plan

    Jan 25, 2020 @ 16:31 at 16:31

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    Stopping the Netanyahu-Neocon war on Iran is what’s for breakfast this morning

    Netanyahu and Gantz are making their move to try to annex Palestine undercover of a war on Iran. No sutra for them!

    America has been radicalized by stopping this Netanyahu-Neocon war on Iran, radicalized against Kahanist extremists, we’re stopping their war on Iran and they will be stopped from annexation of Palestine

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 16:50 at 16:50
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      Netanyahu and the Neocons mistake was repeating the same formula they use to pull off the war on Iraq
      Max Boot, Wurmser, Netanyahu and the rest of the Neocons made a fine hot mess for themselves this time – instead of the invisible men they are completely exposed and busted fools

      • Jan 25, 2020 @ 16:52 at 16:52
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        Complete humiliation and abject shame is far from enough for them them, but it’s a good start

        • Jan 26, 2020 @ 14:05 at 14:05
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          Iran and Koran true Islam are existential enemies of America and all non fanatical Moslem societies.
          Western society has to decide if their grand children are destined to be moslem slaves or servants of GOD and free.
          Israel is eternally bound to the Holy Land, exiles and destruction are the curses for the incorrigible sinfulness we have been guilty of and are guilty of today. We MUST get straight with God oh Yeshurun. Read Tanach and follow God because our leaders failed us – Isaiah 9:15.

      • Jan 25, 2020 @ 18:13 at 18:13
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        American Israeli alliance is well BRILLIANT. Shift to Kurdish regions of Iraq and Syria,
        The CIA and mossad will reclaim Iran Kurdish regions in convert operations

        Giveq sunnis to saudia influence.
        Meanwhile unidentified warplanes will continue degrading Iranian proxies.
        VICTORY ISRAEL VICTORY USA

        • Jan 25, 2020 @ 18:22 at 18:22
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          @Robert… Kurds Deserve & Have Earned Their Own Republic Of Kurdistan Not Just Now But Long Overdue For Centuries! Kurds have Defended & Died for many Tribes, Cultures, & Nations with Religious Foundations in Judaism, Christianity, Sunnis & Shiia Islam! Jews of Kurdistan are the ancient Eastern Jewish communities, inhabiting the region known as Kurdistan roughly covering parts of northwestern Iran, northern Iraq, northeastern Syria and southeastern Turkey.

      • Jan 25, 2020 @ 18:16 at 18:16
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        @ShunNeocons… The Roots of Violence Grow In Iran Since 1979! Quit Blaming Others & Rule Of Law Nations!

    • Jan 26, 2020 @ 17:49 at 17:49
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      You’ll fight any wars you’re told to, and you’ll shut your phuckin’ mouth.

  • Jan 25, 2020 @ 18:20 at 18:20
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    mossada söyleyin iranın dini lideri ali hamaneyi öldürün ve diğer mollaları öldürün sonra iran halkını ülke geneli ayaklandırıp iran molla rejimini yıkın

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 18:27 at 18:27
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      @Vlad… İranlı Şii Rejimlerini Mossad için değil, kendi Fayda ve Özgürlüğü için Savaşacak ve Değiştirecek Perslere Kadar!

  • Jan 25, 2020 @ 18:21 at 18:21
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    mossada söyleyin iranın dini lideri ali hamaneyi öldürün ve diğer mollaları öldürün sonra iran halkını ülke geneli ayaklandırıp iran molla rejimini yıkın

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 18:30 at 18:30
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      @Richard… Up to Persians to Fight & Change Iranian Shiia Regimes for their own Benefit & Freedom, not the Mossad! If the Shiia Regimes continues to start conflicts then Global Powers will Defend, Respond & End Them!

  • Jan 25, 2020 @ 19:11 at 19:11
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    The fleecing of the American taxpayer continues.

    • Jan 25, 2020 @ 21:28 at 21:28
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      Better to pay for something we might get something out of than to continue filling the pockets of the crooks in the Democratic Party who make no bones about the fact that all they want is our money and our guns.

      MAGA 2020

  • Jan 25, 2020 @ 22:23 at 22:23
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    Much fuzz about nothing, just another rotation of troops and ships.And that deal ( you need 2 parties to close a deal ) won’t happen any time soon.

  • Jan 25, 2020 @ 23:08 at 23:08
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    the map of the region will change very soon because of mollahs stupidity and of their followers. KURDISH STATE WILL WILL BE BORN . IRAN AND IRAQ WILLBE DISMANTLE. US WILL CRUSH IRAN ONCE FOR ALL . IRAN IS NOTHING THAN A MUCH NOISE COUNTRY

  • Jan 26, 2020 @ 0:46 at 0:46
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    Sound like the US is losing and needs more forces

    • Jan 26, 2020 @ 6:29 at 6:29
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      @Fred… Sounds like Iran claims it Hit a Home Run & Ran The Bases in their own Minds when they actually Struck Out & keep Losing!

  • Jan 26, 2020 @ 10:57 at 10:57
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    There is a Distinct Possibility wen Kurdistan Becomes a Recognized Independent Republic Nation with 3 new USA Bases the Chaos & Conflicts In Iran, Iraq, & Syria and Break Up Those Nations.

    • Jan 27, 2020 @ 18:34 at 18:34
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      “kurdistan” is probably the message that trump is sending iran. the kurdish homeland stretches across turkey, syria, iraq, AND IRAN. from northern iraq, kurdish and american forces could support a kurdish uprising in iran, and the usaf seems to be settling in for the long haul.

  • Jan 26, 2020 @ 17:04 at 17:04
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    FALLUJA RISING!!!!

  • Jan 26, 2020 @ 17:45 at 17:45
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    It’s time to do what Alexander the Great did 2300 ago. Liberate Iran from its dictators.

  • Jan 26, 2020 @ 19:24 at 19:24
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    The Shiia Regime of Thieves since 1979 are the Barbarians within Tehran Gates from the Great King Cyrus Persian Civilization. Time for a New King Cyrus for Persia! The Supreme Shiia Leaders have Proven to Be Poor Administrators for Iran & Mideast Servant Proxies!

  • Jan 26, 2020 @ 23:52 at 23:52
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    never Trumper’s are here at debka, amazing and welcome snow flakes. now about the aircraft and strike groups. It’s not over between iran and the United States. Our (USA) military knows russia is using iran as a proxy, that’s what they do. In the near future when iran reaches out and crosses the line the US will attack them again. Just the way Israel does in the syrian and iraq killing zones. In the mean time lets hope the iranian people will take back there country from the religious nuts that are in power.

    • Jan 27, 2020 @ 5:33 at 5:33
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      merkova,
      Will your kids die for another stupid war started by Republicans and a corrupt fake POTUS??? None of his kids ever would but they would find a way to profit from it.

  • Jan 27, 2020 @ 7:34 at 7:34
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    I AM SORRY TO SAY THIS, BUT THE WORLD WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO LIVE IN PEACE UNLESS WE KILL EVERY ISRAELI AND WIPE ISRAEL OUT OF THE MAP. THEN EVERY BODY WILL HAVE PEACEFUL LIFE.

    • Jan 27, 2020 @ 18:37 at 18:37
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      sure, but first we have to kill all the antisemites – don’t worry, we’ve saved a spot for you in line.

  • Jan 27, 2020 @ 20:11 at 20:11
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    What a complete waste of money. The US are kicked-out of their bases in Irak and are now building new ones in Kurdistan. They just provide new targets.

    Meanwhile, over 60,000 Americans die from Opioids in the US which originate from China.

Comments are closed.