Tasnim reports increased U.S. military activity in the region amid renewed tensions

Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported increased U.S. military activity in the region in recent days, including movements of some American warships, an air bridge for transporting equipment and the use of C-5 and C-17 heavy transport aircraft. The report also referred to drone reconnaissance flights and the redeployment of air defence systems.

Tasnim said exercises in Bahrain had included scenarios involving the seizure of island territory and rapid coastal landings, and said Iran was assessing the developments either as pressure linked to negotiations or as possible preparation for a military scenario. Reuters reported last month that Washington was expected to send thousands more troops to the Middle East, while U.S. officials also said weapons deliveries were being redirected to support the war in the region.

The report said Iran was prepared for any turn of events and was considering response options in case of further escalation. Reuters reported on April 13 that U.S. and Iranian officials left talks in Islamabad without a breakthrough but kept the door open to further dialogue.