US-Iran Tension: The US has deployed new Patriot and THAAD air defense systems at military bases in the Middle East to protect American troops from possible Iranian attacks, which United States officials announced on January 26, 2026. The United States conducts this operation because intelligence reports show Iran faces rising governmental challenges, which stem from its ongoing civil unrest and economic difficulties that have created its weakest state since 1979. President Donald Trump considers several options, which include military strikes, while he describes the “armada” naval buildup of the United States.
US-Iran Tension: THAAD Strengthens US Missile Defense in the Gulf
The Pentagon has moved the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to the Gulf of Oman after it completed its mission in the South China Sea. The military base at Al Udeid, Qatar, has F-15E fighter jets and bombers ready for combat, which the Pentagon uses to improve its strike capabilities. The C-17A transport aircraft delivered equipment to two locations, the Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait and the Prince Sultan base in Saudi Arabia, during a period of three days. The defense system uses two defense systems to protect against Iran’s missile attacks, which combine THAAD long-range interception capabilities with Patriot PAC-3 defense systems.
“President Trump is consistently briefed on intelligence matters around the world,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an official statement.
“It would be a dereliction of duty as commander in chief if he were not regularly briefed on these matters. With respect to Iran, President Trump continues to closely monitor the situation,” she said.
South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham urged Trump on Iran. “The goal is to end the regime,” Graham said. “They may stop killing them today, but if they’re in charge next month, they’ll kill them then.”
US-Iran Tension: Iran’s Instability Fuels Crisis
The Iranian government faces major challenges because of its internal unrest, which has spread throughout its territory. The violent government response to protests, which began late last year, has spread through Ayatollah Khamenei’s strongholds after economic conditions collapsed. Trump issued a warning about the execution of prisoners because he planned to impose “extremely harsh measures,” which he believed required regime change. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump’s close monitoring.
US-Iran Tension: Reactions and Risks
Iran has moved its missiles toward its western borders while increasing its patrols in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Foreign Minister has promised to execute complete retaliation against threats. Senator Lindsey Graham pushed Trump for regime-ending action. The Gulf allies and Israel are working with the United States to establish air defense systems because they believe that enemy attacks will happen soon. Tensions evoke 2020 Soleimani levels, with no final US decision yet.
