US Navy surveillance aircraft conduct extended missions near Iranian coast

[rangerrebew]

US Navy surveillance aircraft conduct extended missions near Iranian coast
 14 February 2026 10:32 (UTC+04:00)
 
A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine patrol aircraft and an MQ-4C Triton signals intelligence drone carried out hours-long flight operations southeast of Iran’s coastline, according to flight tracking data, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media outlets.

The movements of both aircraft were recorded during the mission.

The MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle was launched from Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. Over the course of several hours, it operated in international airspace over the Gulf of Oman, flying near Iranian territorial waters.

Subsequently, a P-8A Poseidon aircraft took off from Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain and conducted multiple flights over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital maritime chokepoint for global energy supplies.

https://www.azernews.az/region/254412.html

[rangerrebew]

What do you suppose they were looking for?  Maybe where the largest camel herds were to locate the "cavalry?"

[PeteS in CA]

Early detection of Iranian patrol and fast boats preparing to put to sea to harass tankers or US/UK naval ships?

Movements of munitions to Iranian naval bases?

New Iranian coastal fortifications?

Intercepting Iranian signal traffic for analysis and possibly code-breaking?

Does Iran even have camels? Dromedary or Bactrian?

[Smokin Joe]

Actually, Iran has a small fleet of submarines capable of firing torpedoes or missiles, including mostly midget subs (~16), one coastal sub (Fateh class) with three more under construction, and three Kilo class subs. The larger subs are diesel electrics. All are capable of launching missiles or torpedoes or laying mines.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Republic_of_Iran_Navy#Current_ships

Knowing where those particular assets are would be important.