The United States is continuing to build up its military presence in the Middle East as tensions with Iran remain high, with the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its strike group now moving toward the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.
U.S. officials have confirmed that the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) has entered the Indian Ocean after being redirected westward from the South China Sea on the orders of President Donald Trump. The carrier group is expected to arrive in the Gulf of Oman shortly, expanding the military options available to U.S. Central Command amid concerns over Iran’s internal crackdown on protesters and broader regional stability.
President Trump has repeatedly described the deployment as a precautionary move. Speaking to reporters, he said a large naval force was heading toward the region, adding that the United States was “watching Iran very closely.” While he said he hoped force would not be necessary, Trump maintained that the naval buildup had played a role in deterring further executions of protesters in Iran, a claim Tehran has denied.
Tracking data shows that the Abraham Lincoln CSG recently overtook the Iranian bulk carrier Arvin while both vessels were transiting westward through the Strait of Malacca, underscoring the carrier group’s rapid movement toward the Middle East.
The U.S. naval buildup is accompanied by increased air and missile-defense activity. Cargo aircraft and aerial refueling tankers have been observed deploying to the region, and additional Patriot and THAAD missile-defense systems are being sent to bolster protection against potential Iranian retaliation. F-15E Strike Eagles, supported by KC-135 refueling aircraft, have also moved into the Middle East from the United Kingdom.
At the same time, other global naval powers maintain a limited presence in waters near the anticipated U.S. operating area. China’s PLA Navy 48th Flotilla remains split, with one frigate monitoring the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden while other ships return to Djibouti after participating in Exercise Will for Peace 2026 off South Africa. Russian naval activity includes the Udaloy-class frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov, currently operating in the Gulf after attending the DIMDEX 2026 defence exhibition in Qatar, likely supported by an oiler. A Russian corvette, Stoykiy, may also approach the Arabian Sea as part of a broader deployment.
Iran, meanwhile, has recently concluded its controversial participation in Exercise Will for Peace 2026 with its 103rd Flotilla, which included both regular navy and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels. Although Iranian naval authorities say the flotilla is returning to Bandar Abbas, its vessels had not yet fully reappeared in home ports as of January 22. Iranian officials have warned that any attack on the country would be met with a forceful response, including actions that could affect regional stability and global energy flows.
Despite the growing concentration of forces, significant uncertainty remains over the scope, timing, and objectives of any potential U.S. military action. While Trump has left the door open to talks with Tehran, he has reiterated that the United States would act if Iran resumed its nuclear programme.
Photo: An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, prepares to land on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo)
Military Assets Heading Toward or Operating in the Area
| Country | Platform / Unit | Type / Role | Current Status / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN‑72) | Nimitz-class aircraft carrier | En route to Arabian Sea/Gulf of Oman |
| Carrier Strike Group escorts (USS Spruance, Michael Murphy, Frank E. Petersen Jr.) | Arleigh Burke-class destroyers | Part of CSG, providing missile and fleet defense | |
| Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW‑9) | F-35C, F/A-18E/F, EA-18G, E-2D, CMV-22B, MH-60R/S | Embarked on Abraham Lincoln, provides strike, electronic warfare, surveillance, and SAR | |
| F-15E Strike Eagles | Tactical fighter aircraft | Deployed to Middle East from RAF Lakenheath | |
| KC-135 Stratotankers | Aerial refueling | Supporting long-range operations for strike aircraft | |
| C-17 Globemaster III | Cargo / personnel transport | Deploying materiel and personnel to region | |
| Patriot & THAAD batteries | Missile defense systems | Additional defensive capabilities in Middle East | |
| United Kingdom | RAF Typhoon aircraft (No. 12 Squadron) | Tactical fighter aircraft | Deployed to Gulf under UK-Qatar defense arrangement |
| China | PLAN 48th Escort Flotilla | Type 054A frigate, destroyer, replenishment ship | Split deployment in Red Sea/Gulf of Aden, returning to Djibouti post-exercise |
| Russia | Udaloy-class destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov | Anti-submarine destroyer | Operating in Gulf/Red Sea, post-DIMDEX 2026 |
| Boris Chilikin-class oiler Boris Butoma | Fleet replenishment / support | Supporting Marshal Shaposhnikov | |
| Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoykiy | Corvette / patrol | Possible approach toward Arabian Sea; exact location unconfirmed | |
| Iran | IRINS Makran | Forward base ship / amphibious support | Returning to Bandar Abbas from Exercise Will for Peace 2026 |
| Bayandor-class corvette Naghdi | Corvette | Part of 103rd Flotilla, still at sea returning to home port | |
| IRGC vessel Shahid Mahdavi | Converted tanker / naval operations | Part of 103rd Flotilla, still at sea returning to Bandar Abbas |
