The USS Abraham Lincoln has been confirmed near Iran using satellite imagery, highlighting a significant US military build-up in the Middle East amid heightened tensions with Tehran.
Satellite images show the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier operating in the Arabian Sea, roughly 240 km off the coast of Oman and around 700 km from Iran. The vessel leads a strike group of three guided missile destroyers and carries about 90 aircraft, including F35 fighter jets. It reportedly entered the region in late January but had not been visually confirmed until now.
The deployment comes as US and Iranian officials prepare for a second round of talks in Switzerland focused on Iran’s nuclear programme and the possible easing of US sanctions. Washington has indicated it may also raise broader security concerns during the discussions.
In addition to the Abraham Lincoln, the US is reportedly sending the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest warship, to the Middle East, further reinforcing American naval capabilities in the region.
At least 12 US ships have been tracked across the Middle East, including destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean near Souda Bay and vessels stationed in Bahrain and the Red Sea. There has also been an increase in US fighter jets, refuelling aircraft, and cargo planes moving into regional bases.
Iran has responded with its own show of force. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched maritime drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. The exercises included missile launches and inspections of naval assets.
Military analysts note that the current US deployment is broader and more sustainable than previous operations, indicating a posture designed not only for potential strikes but also for long-term deterrence.
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