Airlifts noted here (I seem to remember Ritter saying an Iraq-level build up would have to involve shipping, as air freight can only carry so much. Still.)
Tehran Times @TehranTimes79 Jun 28 The United States is currently conducting the largest logistical operation in its history - a statistical analysis.
This 30-second video shows the American logistical air activity in West Asia over the past seven days only (accelerated by 20,000 times). At the same time, this activity continues around the clock for 76 days.
We are talking about the largest aerial supply operation in American military history, which exceeds the scale of the 2003 Iraq War. This level of cargo transport far surpasses routine supply replenishment.
All American strategic warehouses in the region are almost fully stocked and continue to reach their maximum capacity.
The US military is not spending billions of dollars on empty threats or show-off maneuvers. All of this indicates readiness for a preemptive strike and possibly the start of a ground operation.Tell your story; Ask a question; Interpret generously http://storybythethroat.wordpress.com/tell-ask-listen/
As respondent "ralf" points out, airlift is tiny compared to sealift.
How bigly is the airlift to Mideast? How many tons did 250-265 flights deliver? Bar napkin calculations
Assumptions: sources differ on totals (250 to 265 flights); using 257 average (≈31 C-5 & ≈198 C-17 flights). Long haul flights (accounting for weight of fuel): C-5: 100,000kg cargo load and C-17: 60,000kg. C-5 is for oversized equipment (THAAD batteries,AN/TPY-2 radar, Patriots, etc.); C-17 is for ordnance, jet support stuff (parts, etc.).
Total weight delivered: ≈14.58 million kg, or ≈14,580 metric tons (say, 15,000mt).
Fun fact: US military sealift ship (e.g., Bob Hope class), can carry 25,000 to 35,000mt; merchant bulk carrier, 50,000mt to 80,000mt; container ship, 50,000mt to 150,000mt. A fraction of Bob Hope class delivered.
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Analysis
Muwaffaq Salti is the primary launch point for the war on Iran. Hence delivery of ≈58% of 15,000mt to MS. 70+ attack aircraft are parked at MS, incl. SEAD aircraft.
The number of cargo flights is impressive but overall weight says otherwise. For e.g., one THAAD battery (inclusive of 6 x 8 launchers, AN/TPY-2 radar, gear, etc.) ≈400mt. Each "Talon" interceptor ≈900kg. One Patriot battery (inclusive of components but exclusive of interceptors) ≈300mt. Each PAC-2 ≈900kg; PAC-3 >310kg; PAC-3 MSE >370kg. Details are classified; these are conservative estimates from open sources.
Quantities delivered + existing stocks unlikely to sustain the "long war" that DOD is threatening. If I can make these estimates, Iranian intel has done better. Moreover, they have access to images and SIGINT from Chinese MILSATs and dual-use sats; they can figure out what was unloaded, where stored, emplacements, etc.
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Re: As respondent "ralf" points out, airlift is tiny compared to sealift.
Thanks, I think I remember reading that back in Feb - maybe it was that and not Ritter? Still, seems like it would give them enough for another round of punitive airstrikes if not enough for a ground invasion. Evidence of what we all knew that the MOU was to buy time until they re-tooled for another try. I presume the build-up is in itself a violation of the MOU, so maybe this time the Iranians would feel justified in striking pre-emptively? Not that I want that to happen obvs... (hello to all the 77th brigade grunts watching this).
The US doesn't have the men, materiel and logistics to match their invasion of Iraq.
I doubt that standoff munitions and air defence missiles (let alone radars) have been replenished to any significant degree. Six F-35s have been delivered with the nosecone barbell weights, no radar.
The Iranians will have prepared a welcome, after all they are known for their hospitality.
It might be in the Russian and Chinese interest for the Seppoes to attack Iran again, with them making sure that US losses are even worse than last time, considering that they're next....
The Iranians will have prepared a welcome, after all they are known for their hospitality. LOL (nm)
on June 30, 2026, 9:45 am