Ankara/Tehran/Washington: The Middle East is on high alert as the United States deploys a second aircraft carrier toward the region, intensifying fears of a potential strike on Iran. The first carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, has already arrived in the Gulf of Oman, accompanied by four warships, submarines, and supply vessels, forming a full carrier strike group.
Amid growing regional uncertainty, Turkey is reportedly planning a buffer zone along its border with Iran to manage a potential influx of refugees in the event of political collapse in Tehran. According to sources cited by Middle East Eye, Turkish foreign ministry officials briefed parliament members on multiple contingency plans this week. One official said Ankara wants to ensure that any migration is controlled within Iranian territory as much as possible.
Turkey Strengthens Border Security
Earlier this month, Turkey’s defense ministry announced significant upgrades along its 560-kilometer Iran border. Measures include 203 electro-optical surveillance towers, 43 elevated towers, 380 kilometers of modular concrete barriers, 553 kilometers of defensive trenches, and 24/7 monitoring via drones and aircraft.
US Targets Senior Iranian Officials
Reports indicate that the US is preparing precise strikes against Iranian senior officials and commanders deemed responsible for violent suppression of recent protests. The USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, equipped with 90 fighter jets including F-35 stealth fighters, is operational in the region. US plans reportedly involve potential Tomahawk missile strikes on strategic targets inside Iran.
Amid the heightened tension, Gulf states including the UAE and Saudi Arabia have restricted airspace access for potential operations over their territories, highlighting the fragile security environment in the region.
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