First, the Navy publishes the location of a boomer in the Arabian sea. Now, just two weeks later the US lets the world know that there is a boomer in the Med. This is a huge threat to the Russians. A Trident II SLBM on a depressed trajectory could travel 1,850 kilometers in roughly 7 minutes. This means that a US Ohio class submarine would be able to hit Moscow from the Mediterranean in less time than the Russian command structure can react.
The presence of SLBMs in the Mediterranean and Arabian seas is a significant provocation, as their missiles can be launched in depressed trajectories at these short ranges, reducing flight times to the point that they can arrive at their targets before Russian systems have time to react and launch a counter strike. This move is not for deterrence, having SLBMs so close to their targets is more of a first strike tactic.
Picture three submarines launching as many as 900 nuclear warheads at your command and control facilities, bomber bases, and missile silos. All of the warheads would strike within 7 minutes of breaking the surface of the ocean. You know that it takes 10 minutes to launch your own missiles in return. What steps would you take in response?
Make no mistake, this is a provocation. It’s like Biden is trying to start a nuclear war on purpose.

