'Upholding Our Commitment': US Announces Military Drill In Middle East Amid Tensions With Iran

Last Updated:January 28, 2026, 07:53 IST

The US Ninth Air Force launches a major exercise in the Middle East amid rising Iran tensions, deploying teams to boost readiness and coordination with allies.

Military officials said the drill will test the Air Force’s ability to move forces quickly and operate from multiple contingency locations. (Image: https://www.dvidshub.net)

The United States has announced a large-scale, multi-day Air Force exercise in the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue to escalate amid what Washington has described as a potential new war threat. The military drill will be conducted by the US Ninth Air Force, or Air Forces Central (AFCENT), which serves as the air arm of US Central Command.

The announcement followed the recent arrival of the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group in the region, significantly reinforcing US military capabilities. According to AFCENT, the exercise is aimed at improving the rapid deployment and dispersal of personnel and aircraft, enhancing coordination with regional allies, and ensuring readiness for flexible military responses across CENTCOM’s area of responsibility, according to a press release by US Air Forces Central.

“Our Airmen are proving they can disperse, operate, and generate combat sorties under demanding conditions—safely, precisely and alongside our partners," said Lt. Gen. Derek France, AFCENT Commander and Combined Forces Air Component commander for CENTCOM. “This is about upholding our commitment to maintaining combat-ready Airmen and the disciplined execution required to keep airpower available when and where it’s needed."

Military officials said the drill will test the Air Force’s ability to move forces quickly, operate from multiple contingency locations, and sustain combat missions with limited logistical support. The exercise will also assess multinational command-and-control systems across a wide operational environment.

As part of the drill, teams are being deployed to various locations to rehearse rapid set-up, launch, and recovery procedures using streamlined support packages. AFCENT noted that all activities are being carried out with host-nation consent and in coordination with civilian and military aviation authorities.

The exercise comes against the backdrop of prolonged unrest in Iran, where protests that began over economic concerns evolved into widespread demonstrations against the government. A US-based rights group has reported thousands of deaths linked to the unrest. President Donald Trump previously warned Tehran against using lethal force on protesters but has recently indicated a pullback from direct military action.

News world 'Upholding Our Commitment': US Announces Military Drill In Middle East Amid Tensions With Iran

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