U.S. Air Force lands in Turkmenistan. What is Washington’s objective?

U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III and MC-130 Super Hercules military transport aircraft have landed at an undisclosed location in Turkmenistan. The information appeared on the FlightRadar24 portal on February 9.

The exact location of the U.S. forces remains unknown, though many observers claim the aircraft gathered near the city of Ashgabat.

The MC-130 Super Hercules aircraft has drawn particular attention. The aircraft is used for the following missions: transporting special operations forces; conducting covert and night operations; providing aerial refueling and logistical support to helicopters; and performing takeoffs and landings in unconventional conditions.

According to the channel’s authors, Turkmenistan’s capital is located about 800 kilometers from Tehran by land and roughly 480 kilometers by air, giving the landing additional strategic significance. Against the backdrop of the current situation, the development is being interpreted as another signal of a possible expansion of the U.S. military presence near Iran.

It is worth noting that relations between the United States and Iran remain strained. In recent days, the two countries attempted to return to the negotiating table, but the meetings have not produced clear results so far.

The presence of U.S. military assets in Turkmenistan is being portrayed as evidence that Washington is increasing pressure on Iran from multiple directions.

Earlier, the United States called on its citizens to leave the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately. According to officials, security measures in Iran have been tightened, roads have been closed, public transportation disrupted, and internet access restricted.