A US aircraft carrier and supporting warships have entered the Middle East under President Donald Trump’s orders, expanding the administration’s military capabilities to defend U.S. forces or take military action against Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers began their deployment from the Asia-Pacific region earlier this month as tensions between Iran and the United States escalated following a crackdown on protests in Iran.
President Trump had previously stated that he had “an armada” heading toward Iran, but hoped it would not be necessary to use force. The warships’ arrival comes amid reports of declining killings during nationwide protests across Iran and concerns over potential prisoner executions.
Military officials have indicated these deployments are part of routine defense strategies, though the United States has increased troop presence in the region in times of heightened tensions before, such as prior to strikes against Iran’s nuclear program. Additionally, the U.S. military is moving fighter jets and air-defense systems into the area for exercises designed to showcase their combat capabilities.
In response to these moves, a senior Iranian official stated that Tehran would consider any attack on its territory an “all-out-war.” The United Arab Emirates has announced it will not allow its airspace, territory, or territorial waters to be used in hostile military actions against Iran. US Air Force bases such as the Al Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi have been crucial for supporting missions against the Islamic State and regional reconnaissance operations.