January 28, 2026 | 08:27 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States has expanded its military presence in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran by deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. Several American media outlets reported that this move was taken amid the deadlock in Washington-Tehran relations, although President Donald Trump expressed his hope that the use of military force would not be necessary.
According to Anadolu report, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its strike group have entered the responsibility area of the United States Central Command in the western Indian Ocean.
This positioning places the aircraft carrier within striking distance of Iran. The deployment includes a number of guided-missile destroyers with Tomahawk cruise missiles.
U.S. military officials said that if ordered by the White House, USS Abraham Lincoln could launch operations within one to two days. Two sources mentioned that the repositioning of the aircraft carrier would allow the United States to provide faster support for potential strike targeting Iran.
Air and Defense System Reinforcement
In addition to the naval fleet, the Pentagon has deployed around a dozen additional F-15E fighter jets to the Middle East region to strengthen capabilities. According to U.S. officials, Washington has also deployed additional Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems to protect American forces from possible short- to medium-range missile attacks from Iran.
Long-range bombers based in the United States are currently on high alert. The Pentagon raised its alert status about two weeks ago after Trump requested military response options following Iran's crackdown on domestic protests.
Trump Calls It Precautionary
As reported by Al Jazeera, Trump referred to the deployment as a precautionary measure. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he said the United States was sending an "armada" to the Gulf region.
"We have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case. I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely," said Trump. He also added, "We have an armada … heading in that direction, and maybe we won’t have to use it."
The Pentagon also increased consultations with regional allies. U.S. Central Command Chief Admiral Brad Cooper made visits to Syria, Iraq, and Israel to meet with American military commanders and partner forces.
The Israeli military confirmed that Cooper held extensive discussions with Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Eyal Zamir, to strengthen defense cooperation.
Read: Looming U.S. Strike on Iran Feared to Plunge the World Into Crisis
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