US Edition
World's largest aircraft carrier heads toward Middle East amid Iran tensions
USS Gerald R. Ford joins USS Abraham Lincoln in Arabian Sea to increase U.S. naval pressure on Iran with precision strike capabilities amid ongoing nuclear talks.
- On February 13, 2026, the USS Gerald R. Ford deploys to the Arabian Sea to join the USS Abraham Lincoln , escalating U.S. naval presence in the region.
- On Tuesday, Geneva talks mediated by Oman reported agreement on guiding principles, with Iran describing the talks as more constructive.
- Combined carrier air wings would field F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18s, and E-2D Hawkeye surveillance aircraft, while Arleigh Burke-class destroyers use vertical launch systems firing Block IV Tomahawk cruise missiles up to 900 miles.
- The deployment immediately raises operational pressures and expands U.S. military options in the region, as dual CSGs can strike from multiple locations and the Ford's crew faces increased strain.
- The Ford began its deployment from Norfolk, Virginia, in late June 2025 and has been at sea for about eight months, covering roughly 10,000 to 11,000 nautical miles while only three to four of the U.S. carrier fleet are typically ready due to RCOH cycles.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Decision within the weekend, according to CNN and CBS News – Indirect talks with Tehran continue, but distances remain
Trump ‘identifies date for strike on Iran’ as world’s largest aircraft carrier heads to the Middle East
Breaking: Trump ‘identifies date for strike on Iran’ as world’s largest aircraft carrier heads to the Middle East –The U.S. and Israel would also launch the operation in a military joint effort. | 18 Feb 2026 | Donald Trump could make a decision on military strikes in Iran soon, with the U.S. military ready to potentially launch an attack by this weekend. American military assets have been built up in the Middle East in recent days ahead of a po…
Sky News UK
Great Yorkshire RadioHow US military is assembling within striking distance of Iran
A powerful US military force is assembling within striking distance of Iran.
90 Percent Chance a Big War With Iran Will Start Soon
Summary and Key Points: The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) has entered the Mediterranean Sea, redirecting from Caribbean operations to join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Middle East. With U.S. officials estimating a 90 percent likelihood of military action against Iran, the deployment aims to apply maximum diplomatic and kinetic pressure as nuclear talks falter. USS Gerald R. Ford Aircraft Carrier At Sea. Image Credit: U.S. Na…
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