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A US aircraft carrier and accompanying warships have arrived in the Middle East, according to two US officials speaking with Reuters on Monday. This move enhances President Donald Trump’s ability to protect American forces or potentially initiate military action against Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, along with several guided-missile destroyers, have entered the Central Command region of the Middle East.
Trump previously announced on Thursday that the U.S. was deploying an “armada” toward Iran, but emphasized his hope that military action would not be necessary. The deployment of these ships started from the Asia-Pacific earlier this month amid escalating tensions with Iran, which intensified after a crackdown on protests across Iran.
While Trump had threatened intervention if Iran continued suppressing protesters, the nationwide demonstrations have since diminished. The president stated that he was informed killings are decreasing and that there are currently no plans for executing prisoners. Historically, the U.S. military has sometimes increased forces in the Middle East during periods of heightened tension, primarily as a defensive measure. Notably, last year, there was a significant buildup ahead of June strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear program.
In addition to the aircraft carrier and warships, the Pentagon is deploying fighter jets and air defense systems to the region. Over the weekend, a military exercise was announced to demonstrate the capacity to deploy, disperse, and sustain combat airpower.
A senior Iranian official warned last week that any attack from the U.S. would be regarded as an “all-out war.” Meanwhile, the UAE has stated it will not permit its airspace, land, or waters to be used for hostile military actions against Iran. The Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, located south of Abu Dhabi, remains a vital U.S. Air Force hub for operations against ISIS and reconnaissance missions across the region.
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