Since January 26, American warships have been stationed in the Middle East, including the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln. Its deployment “to ensure security and stability in the region” was officially announced by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
US President Donald Trump said in an interview for Axios that he had sent a “large armada” to the coast of Iran. In turn, on January 28, via his social media platform Truth Social, he directly threatened Tehran with attacks if the Iranian authorities did not agree to conclude a new nuclear agreement.
“This is a larger fleet – commanded by the mighty aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln – than the one sent to the Venezuelan region,” said the US president. He also added that the warships are ready to do their job, “if necessary, also by force“.
“Let's hope that Iran will come to the negotiating table quickly and reach a fair, equitable agreement – without nuclear weapons – that will be beneficial to all parties,” Trump concluded.
He also called on the authorities in Tehran to sign the agreement, emphasizing that “time is running out” and a possible next attack would be stronger than the strikes carried out as part of Operation “Hammer of the North” in June 2025. Then, American air and naval forces bombed Iranian nuclear facilities.
Political declarations are one thing, real military power is another. We reveal what exactly lies behind Donald Trump's “great armada” announcement.
The aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln took over a week to reach the coast of Iran from Southeast Asia. In addition, there are also destroyers McFaul and Mitscher in the Middle East.
USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier (stock photo)Handout / Handout / Getty Images
The exact location of the American aircraft carrier group is currently unknown, writes the BBC's Russian editorial office. However, FlightRadar24, an air traffic tracking website, recorded a flight of an Osprey convertible plane on January 26 between a point in the Indian Ocean, near the coast of Oman, and the mainland. These types of machines are stationed on aircraft carriers. It is about 800 km from the place where the Osprey was spotted to the Iranian coast.
Abraham Lincoln can carry up to 90 planes and helicopters, including F-35 Lightning II and F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters. In turn, the destroyers are equipped with hundreds of missiles, including dozens of Tomahawk cruise missiles, designed to attack land targets.
The BBC Verify verification team confirmed that American F-15 fighters took off from the British Lakenheath base on January 18. Then these planes – or at least one of them – appeared over Crete. Their route was reconstructed thanks to signals from the transponder of the tanker plane, which usually accompanies fighters during long-distance flights.
Ready to attack
The United States has eight permanent military bases and more than ten temporary bases in the Middle East region. The largest of them is the Al Udeid air and naval base in Qatar. The total number of American soldiers stationed in the region is estimated at 40,000–50,000.
If the US decides to attack Iran, the main offensive force will be the aircraft carrier group. Attacks can also be carried out by strategic bombers, which do not need to be redeployed to the region first – they can take off from their permanent bases and, using air refueling, fly directly to the target.
US Central Command, whose area of responsibility covers the Middle East, Central Asia and parts of East Africa, announced on January 26 the start of air exercises throughout the region. However, it was not announced when the maneuvers would start or how long they would last.
Tehran threatens a harsh response
It is not known whether Donald Trump has already made the final decision to attack Iran. In the past, he threatened to use military force in response to the brutal suppression of anti-government protests in the country, but later withdrew from these announcements.
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However, if the United States decides to strike, Iran announces its response.with the greatest possible severity” – declared representatives of the Iranian authorities.
Israel, the main US ally in the region, as well as US military bases in the Middle East could become potential targets of retaliation.
In June 2025, Tehran responded to American attacks by shelling the Al Udeid base in Qatar, having previously warned of the planned attack. The base was evacuated and, as reported by the Qatari authorities, the local air defense systems intercepted the incoming missiles.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
