Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on February 19 called on Polish citizens to leave Iran immediately. He warned of the imminent risk of armed conflict and that evacuation could no longer be possible in just a few hours if the situation worsens.
The warning was issued after media reports that the US is getting closer to a military conflict with Iran than the public realizes, even a multi-week campaign could begin soon. Some US military officials said they had reported to President Donald Trump that forces had "get in position" and could launch an attack on Iran as early as February 21. However, a final decision has not yet been made.
Washington currently maintains 13 warships in the area, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and many destroyers and coastal warships. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is en route to the Middle East. The US is also deploying more F-22, F-15, F-16 fighters, along with refueling and early warning aircraft. Analysts believe that concentrating large-scale firepower could lay the foundation for a prolonged military campaign if ordered to be carried out.
The Kremlin expressed concern about the "unprecedented" escalation around Iran as the US continuously deploys military equipment to the region. Moscow called on Tehran and related parties to exercise restraint, and affirmed that joint naval exercises between Russia and Iran were planned in advance.
Iranian side also showed strength when the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, the world's important oil and gas transportation route. Tehran has repeatedly warned that it could blockade this strait if threatened, and the Iranian supreme leader declared that this country has the ability to sink US warships in the Gulf.
Tensions increased immediately after the second round of negotiations between the US and Iran ended on February 17. Although the two sides said there was progress, significant disagreements still exist. Mr. Trump's disappointment with Iran's negotiating stance is considered a factor promoting the possibility of using military measures.
