Iran gears up for possible attack as US sends aircraft carrier, warships in Middle East
Trump has linked the military reinforcement to efforts to pressure Iran over its handling of nationwide protests that erupted in late December.
PTC News Desk: The US Navy’s Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group entered the United States Central Command region on Monday after being redirected from Indo-Pacific operations amid rising tensions with Iran. The move has sparked renewed speculation that US President Donald Trump may consider authorizing airstrikes against Tehran.
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3, transited the Strait of Malacca on January 19. It was escorted by three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers — USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG-121), USS Spruance (DDG-111), and USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112). In a social media statement, US Central Command said the strike group is now deployed to the Middle East to support regional security and stability. This deployment increases the US military presence in the region and marks the first carrier operation in Middle Eastern waters since October, when the USS Gerald R. Ford was deployed to the Caribbean.
Trump Connects Military Build-Up to Iran Pressure
Trump has linked the military reinforcement to efforts to pressure Iran over its handling of nationwide protests that erupted in late December. Speaking to reporters last week, he said the naval deployment was precautionary, noting, “We have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we won’t have to use it.” He has also warned of potential military action if Iran executes prisoners or harms peaceful demonstrators. Human rights groups claim nearly 6,000 people have been killed and over 41,800 detained in the crackdown, though Iran disputes those figures, according to the Associated Press.
Later, Trump suggested Iran had paused planned executions of more than 800 detainees, a claim Tehran’s chief prosecutor dismissed as false.
Pentagon Expands Military Presence Near Iran
The arrival of the Lincoln strike group coincides with the Pentagon’s deployment of additional military assets, including fighter aircraft and cargo flights, further strengthening the US presence near Iran.
The carrier provides Washington with expanded military options should Trump choose to escalate tensions. Iranian officials have warned that any attack would provoke retaliation, fueling concerns of broader regional instability.
The situation echoes last year’s US military buildup, when Patriot missile systems were deployed ahead of a possible Iranian response following strikes on nuclear facilities. Iran later launched multiple missiles at Al Udeid Air Base.