KEY POINTS
- CENTCOM says the carrier is deployed to promote regional security and stability.
- Trump says the US is “watching Iran very closely.”
- Tehran warns of strong retaliation against any external aggression.
- UAE rules out use of its territory against Iran.
- Israel maintains ‘maximum alert.’
WASHINGTON: The US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by three warships, has arrived in the Middle East, escalating speculation of a potential strike on Iran amid growing regional tensions.
US Central Command said the deployment aims to promote regional security and stability, while President Donald Trump described it as a precautionary measure and a show of readiness rather than an immediate signal of military action.
“The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed to the Middle East to promote regional security and stability,” US Central Command said Monday on social media.
Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) perform routine maintenance as the aircraft carrier sails in the Indian Ocean, Jan. 26. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed to the Middle East to promote regional security and stability. pic.twitter.com/dkuN946hce
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 26, 2026
The US Central Command said the strike group was in the Indian Ocean — not the Arabian Sea bordering Iran — as it makes its way toward the region, bringing thousands of additional service members to the Middle East.
This marks the first presence of a US aircraft carrier there since the USS Gerald R. Ford was redirected to the Caribbean late last year as part of a pressure campaign on Venezuela.
United States President Donald Trump last week warned that a “massive” US naval fleet was heading toward the Gulf region, with Iran as the focus.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the United States was “watching Iran very closely” and described the deployment as a precautionary step, adding that he hoped the force would not need to be used.
He characterised the movement of ships as a show of readiness rather than an immediate signal of military action.
Iran warns retaliation to ‘external aggression’
According to international media reports, the deployment includes an aircraft carrier strike group along with accompanying naval assets that were redirected toward the Middle East amid rising tensions.
US officials have indicated that the move is intended to reinforce deterrence and reassure allies in the region.
Tehran has previously warned that it would respond to any external aggression or intervention; however, no immediate official reaction was reported following Trump’s remarks.
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln carries multiple squadrons of aircraft, including F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet jets, supported by electronic-warfare and airborne early warning aircraft.
Its escorting destroyers are equipped with hundreds of missiles, including long-range Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, giving the strike group significant operational reach.
In addition to the naval forces, the US military has also deployed Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets to the region, further expanding aerial capabilities amid heightened tensions.
UAE rules out use of its territory against Iran
Earlier today, the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its commitment that it will not allow its airspace, territory, or waters to be used in any hostile military actions against Iran.
UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said that Abu Dhabi will not provide any logistical support in this regard.
The Ministry reiterated the UAE’s stance that dialogue, de-escalation, adherence to international law, and respect for state sovereignty constitute the most effective foundations for addressing current crises, underscoring the UAE’s approach of resolving disputes through diplomatic means.
الإمارات تتضامن مع الفلبين وتُعزّي في ضحايا حادث غرق سفينة ركابhttps://t.co/h8LMgxzr3L pic.twitter.com/FsDABUnJoF
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) January 26, 2026
Israel maintains ‘maximum alert’
Meanwhile, Israel continued to remain in a state of maximum alert, in anticipation of a possible US strike on Iran. The public broadcaster KAN said Israel has been on high alert for more than a week amid concerns that any American military action against Iran could prompt direct Iranian responses against Israeli territory.
“Tehran could respond to any American attack by attempting to target Israel,” Northern Command chief Major General Rafi Milo said in comments carried by Channel 12.
“US forces are deployed in the (Arabian) Gulf region, without a complete clarity on the next steps,” he added.
Tension has soared between Washington and Tehran since anti-government protests erupted across Iran last month.
Last June, Israel, with US backing, launched a 12-day war against Iran, prompting retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Tehran before Washington announced a ceasefire.
