US-Iran tensions escalate as military, economic pressures mount

TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Tensions between the United States and Iran intensified this week as Washington expanded its military presence in the Middle East and Tehran issued fresh warnings to neighboring states.

At the same time, Iran’s currency fell to a record low while airlines across multiple regions cancelled or rerouted flights amid growing security concerns.

US officials confirmed that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group have entered the US Central Command area of responsibility in the western Indian Ocean, placing the carrier within close operational range of Iran.

The deployment includes several guided-missile destroyers equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, according to US media reports citing defense officials.

President Donald Trump described the move as precautionary, saying the United States has “a big armada” positioned near Iran but expressing hope that force would not be required.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the deployments were intended to deter escalation while keeping military options available if necessary.

US officials said additional assets have also been sent to the region, including around a dozen F-15E strike aircraft and expanded Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems to protect American forces from potential Iranian retaliation.

Long-range bombers based in the United States have been placed on heightened alert, following intelligence assessments indicating increased instability within Iran’s leadership.

Iranian officials maintained a defiant and defensive tone. An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander warned that any neighboring country allowing its territory, airspace or waters to be used for attacks on Iran would be treated as “hostile.” Iranian leaders also said the country is prepared to respond decisively to any military strike.

The rising tensions have coincided with severe economic fallout inside Iran. The Iranian rial fell to a record 1,500,000 rials per US dollar, according to currency tracking websites, deepening economic hardship for large segments of the population already affected by international, mostly US, sanctions.

Iranian authorities said the foreign exchange market was following its “natural course,” despite mounting public frustration.

The currency collapse comes weeks after protests erupted in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and spread nationwide, driven by soaring prices and economic mismanagement.

Regional instability has also had immediate consequences for civil aviation. Airlines across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East have cancelled, suspended or rerouted flights as aviation authorities warned of increased risks linked to military readiness and airspace misidentification.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency formally advised airlines to avoid Iranian airspace at all altitudes, prompting carriers to adjust routes, operate daytime-only flights, or suspend services entirely.

Several major airlines paused flights to Tel Aviv, Gulf destinations, Jordan and parts of Central Asia, while others introduced longer routings around Iranian and Iraqi airspace, adding significant flight times.

Air France, KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa Group, United Airlines and Air Canada were among carriers that announced temporary suspensions or operational changes.

Gulf carriers, including Emirates, flydubai and Qatar Airways, largely continued operations but rerouted flights and cancelled select services to Iranian cities.

Aviation insurers and regulators said conditions remain under constant review as the situation evolves.

Limited indirect communication has reportedly taken place between Iranian and US officials through informal channels, though both sides confirmed no formal diplomatic track has been established.

International organizations have urged restraint. The United Nations expressed concern over the expanding US military deployment and called on all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region.

As military, economic and commercial pressures converge, analysts warn that miscalculation could trigger wider regional consequences, even as Washington and Tehran signal they remain unwilling to close the door entirely on diplomacy.