As Iran threatens, the U.S. Air Force flexed

Just as Iran’s new leader of their it Revolutionary Guard, Hossein Salami, declared that his regime has plans for 13 attacks against U.S. interests in retaliation for Soleimani’s targeted killing last week, the U.S. Air Force held a massive show of force during a planned exercise in Utah.

Hill Air Force base is home to the 388^th Fighter Wing, which is primarily comprised of the new F-35A Lightning fighters.

The base’s demonstration of an “elephant walk” of 52 F-35 fighters before take-off, an overt show of military force meant to intimidate adversaries, so the timing was ideal considering the current climate in the Middle East.

 “We are now at full warfighting capability,” tweeted the 388^th Fighter Wing

The 388th already has one squadron of about 12-24 planes deployed in the Middle East.

Just yesterday, Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) outlined the current military directive against Iran.

“U.S. intent with regards to #Iran is clear,” stated Rubio. “Future U.S. military action depends entirely on what Iran decides to do first. If they or their proxies attack or get ready to attack Americans, the U.S. must & will respond if they don’t attack Americans, no U.S. attack will happen.”