US Deploys Another Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Towards Iran; UK and French Jets Join, Is an Attack Imminent?

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The United States has deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group toward the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. The carrier group, which is expected to arrive in the region within a week, includes the CVW-9 Carrier Air Wing, consisting of eight squadrons equipped with F-35C Lightning II fighters, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes, CMV-22B Ospreys, and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks.

Accompanying the carrier are the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and Destroyer Squadron 21, comprising Arleigh Burke-class destroyers with multiple missile tubes, capable of launching precision strikes on Iranian targets or defending US bases and allied installations in case of retaliation.

Military Preparations Amid Rising Tensions

Open-source tracking indicates that several US Air Force fighter jets are also heading toward the region. Analysts note that the deployment pattern resembles previous periods of high tension in the Middle East, when large numbers of cargo ships, fighter aircraft, and other assets were sent to prepare for potential conflict.

US President Donald Trump has hinted at possible military action against Iran. However, the White House confirmed that the plan to strike has been temporarily postponed after Iran delayed the execution of death sentences for approximately 800 protesters. Despite this pause, military planners are reportedly using the time to prepare for a rapid, highly coordinated strike, aiming to neutralize Iran’s advanced ballistic missile capabilities before prolonged conflict escalates.

Possible Objectives of a Strike

Should the US pursue military action, several options exist, including:

• A surgical strike against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its paramilitary Basij forces.
• Targeted strikes on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, high-ranking government officials, or nuclear facilities.
• Preemptive attacks on missile factories and underground military installations to slow Iranian retaliation.

Reports suggest that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have urged Trump to reconsider, recalling last June when at least 50 advanced Iranian ballistic missiles struck Israel, causing significant damage.

Capabilities and Limitations

Currently, the US maintains a substantial presence in the region, including tactical aircraft, six warships, and roughly 30,000 troops. However, defense analysts question whether this is sufficient for a sustained campaign in Iran. Tyler Rogoway, a defense expert, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that while the carrier strike group and accompanying assets are impressive, controlling a complex, prolonged conflict in Iran may exceed US capabilities.

Beyond the Abraham Lincoln group, reports indicate that the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group has also departed its Norfolk homeport and may join operations in the Middle East, though official confirmation is pending. Meanwhile, the US Air Force is active in the region, with more than a dozen cargo jets reportedly moving toward the Middle East, likely to maintain supply chains.

European Military Presence

Open-source flight trackers also show that European military aircraft are increasing their presence. At least four RAF Eurofighter Typhoons and an Airbus KC-2 Voyager refueling jet appear to be moving toward Bahrain, while a RAF Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B) drone was spotted over Jordan’s Muwaffaq Al Salti Air Base. French and German aircraft may also be operating in the region, though officials have declined to comment.

The buildup underscores rising tensions in the Middle East, as the US, along with allied nations, positions itself to respond to any potential escalation by Iran. Analysts caution that while an attack is not yet confirmed, military movements indicate serious preparation and strategic caution.