بغدادية

As the U.S. midterm elections end today, the United States is moving military forces and air defences into position after diplomatic efforts with the Islamic Republic failed. President Trump promised there would be no war before the elections. He made no such guarantee for what comes afterward. Multiple American C-17s and C-5Ms have flown from major air-defence stockpiles in Texas through Germany before landing at Israeli airbases. Approximately 10 heavy transport aircraft have reportedly made these movements in recent days. Additional American aircraft have flown to Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The apparent purpose is to replenish THAAD and Patriot interceptors, strengthen regional air defences and prepare for Iranian ballistic-missile retaliation if a larger campaign begins. The movements resemble the logistical pattern that preceded earlier strikes. A third carrier and additional Marines are also moving toward the region, while American commanders have presented Trump with military options. The buildup follows the failure of the latest diplomatic effort. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of the Islamic Republic’s Supreme National Security Council, called the American response to the regime’s demands insufficient and unconvincing. He said the Strait of Hormuz would not reopen and nuclear talks would not resume. Limited American strikes have already hit Iranian surface-to-air systems around the Strait after they reportedly targeted American assets. These were restricted defensive actions, not the beginning of a full campaign. Election timing has shaped the pace. Trump had strong political reasons to avoid a major escalation before voting ended, particularly while energy prices remained a domestic vulnerability. That restraint expires with the election. The United States is now restocking interceptors, reinforcing regional bases and preparing allies for possible retaliation. The Islamic Republic has rejected the diplomatic path and continues using Hormuz as leverage. The agreement effort failed. The military pieces for the next phase are now moving into place.