https://nitter.net/Intel_Sky/status/2013889777158807760
21 Jan 2026 · 8:21 AM UTC

10 Fuel Tankers Pave the Way for Bombers, and Washington Deploys "THAAD" to
Counter Iran's "Day of Wrath"

Based on the latest file analysis (03:01 AM Wednesday, Tehran time), there are
no new airspace closures. The Iranian skies remain "open" and suspiciously
silent, which aligns with a "clearing the skies" scenario to avoid engagement or
collateral damage during bombardment.
The new intelligence - the crossing of 10 tankers and the deployment of Patriot
and THAAD missiles - moves us into the final preparation phase: the phase of
"The Shield and The Sword."

Here is the strategic analysis of this critical development:

1. Tankers in the Mediterranean: "The Sword is Drawn"
The crossing of the Atlantic by 10 aerial refueling aircraft (Tankers) and their
entry into the vital sphere (Europe/Mediterranean) signifies that the air bridge
for the bombers is complete.
* The Mission: These "flying gas stations" are not crossing the ocean for a
leisure trip. They exist for a single purpose: to refuel strategic bombers (B-2
and B-1B) and their fighter escorts en route to strike Iran, ensuring they
arrive with tanks fully loaded for maneuvering and combat.
* The Timing: Their current presence over the Mediterranean places us in a very
narrow time window (a few hours) regarding the arrival of the bombers, which
usually follow them like a shadow.

2. Deployment of Additional "THAAD" and "Patriot" Systems: Preparing for
"Missile Doomsday"
The Wall Street Journal leak regarding the dispatch of additional THAAD
batteries (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) and Patriot systems (Tactical
Air Defense) is an explicit American admission that war is imminent.
* Why Now? You do not deploy these heavy defensive systems prior to an attack
unless you are 100% certain the enemy will retaliate with a massive,
earth-shattering missile strike.
* The Goal: The U.S. intends to build a "Regional Iron Dome" to protect its
bases in the Gulf, Jordan, and Israel from the Iranian "rain of missiles"
expected to pour down following the initial American strike.
* The Implication: This confirms that the American strike will not be "limited"
or "symbolic"; it will be powerful enough to trigger an existential Iranian
response that necessitates such extensive defenses.

3. Field Conclusion (Wednesday Morning)
The operational landscape is now clearly divided:
* The Offense (Ready): Tankers and Bombers (crossed the Atlantic) + The Lincoln
Carrier (in "Ghost Mode") + Jordanian fighters.
* The Defense (Reinforced): The deployment of THAAD and Patriot serves as the
final "insurance policy" before pressing the button.