The question is can the USA deploy more into theatre than they did last time ? They start this round with fewer bases and longer logistic supply lines from Jordan/Israel. ...
As the NATO Secretary General stated during a press conference with Donald Trump, the United States flew more than 5,000 sorties from European air bases during the campaign.
If the total number of US sorties was around 13,000 over approximately 40 days, that would leave roughly 8,000 sorties originating from other locations, such as US aircraft carriers, Diego Garcia, Israel (where applicable), direct long-range missions from the United States, and US military facilities elsewhere in the region.
In my opinion, the United States was likely cautious about relying heavily on air bases in Arab countries because of their close proximity to Iran and the potential risks that could pose to host nations and US forces.
So if Iran was unable to prevent air operations launched from European bases and US aircraft carriers, and if the US and its allies were to further increase their use of European facilities, I don't think Washington would have much reason to fear Iranian retaliation against those bases.
In my opinion, the IRGC has exhausted most of its strategic options and is increasingly relying on threats against smaller Arab states to project strength and maintain its image within Iranian society.
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