The USS Abraham Lincoln uses 35-mm steel arresting cables with an oiled hemp centre core to safely stop jets. Replacing these cables after exactly 125 landings prevents wire rot and fatal deck accidents.

'Wire Rot': How the USS Abraham Lincoln protects its vital landing cables

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Sunday (April 12) said Tehran would not bow to pressure after Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz following stalled talks in Pakistan.&nbsp;Speaking after returning from Islamabad, where he led negotiations with the United States, Ghalibaf struck a defiant tone. “If they fight, we will fight, and if they come forward with logic, we will deal with logic. We will not bow to any threats. Let them test our will once again so that we can teach them a bigger lesson,” he told reporters, according to Iranian media.&nbsp;His remarks came hours after Trump announced a sweeping naval move following the failure of talks in Islamabad. “Effective immediately, the United States Navy… will begin the process of blockading any and all ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, adding that “at some point, we will reach an ‘all being allowed to go in, all being allowed to go out’ basis.”&nbsp;The statement marked a sharp escalation in tensions in the region, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical global oil transit route.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-china-with-50-tariff-over-iran-support-warns-tehran-of-devastation-1776013227558">Trump threatens China with 50% tariff over Iran support, warns Tehran of ‘devastation’</a>&nbsp;Iran’s navy chief Shahram Irani dismissed the US move as unrealistic, calling Trump’s threat “ridiculous”. “The brave men of the naval force of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran are monitoring and supervising all the movements of the aggressive American army in the region. The threats of the US president to blockade Iran at sea are very ridiculous and funny,” he said, according to state television.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian signalled conditional openness to diplomacy while criticising Washington’s stance. “If the American government abandons its totalitarianism and respects the rights of the Iranian nation, ways to reach an agreement will certainly be found,” he said.&nbsp;Pezeshkian also praised the negotiating team, including Ghalibaf, for their efforts, even as the talks failed to produce a breakthrough. The developments underline rising tensions in West Asia after negotiations between Tehran and Washington ended without a deal, raising concerns over further escalation in the strategically vital region.

Iran’s navy chief Shahram Irani dismissed the US move as unrealistic, calling Trump’s threat “ridiculous”. 

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Sunday (April 12) said Tehran would not bow to pressure after Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz following stalled talks in Pakistan. Speaking after returning from Islamabad, where he led negotiations with the United States, Ghalibaf struck a defiant tone. “If they fight, we will fight, and if they come forward with logic, we will deal with logic. We will not bow to any threats. Let them test our will once again so that we can teach them a bigger lesson,” he told reporters, according to Iranian media. His remarks came hours after Trump announced a sweeping naval move following the failure of talks in Islamabad. “Effective immediately, the United States Navy… will begin the process of blockading any and all ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, adding that “at some point, we will reach an ‘all being allowed to go in, all being allowed to go out’ basis.” The statement marked a sharp escalation in tensions in the region, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical global oil transit route. Also Read: Trump threatens China with 50% tariff over Iran support, warns Tehran of ‘devastation’ Iran’s navy chief Shahram Irani dismissed the US move as unrealistic, calling Trump’s threat “ridiculous”. “The brave men of the naval force of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran are monitoring and supervising all the movements of the aggressive American army in the region. The threats of the US president to blockade Iran at sea are very ridiculous and funny,” he said, according to state television. Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian signalled conditional openness to diplomacy while criticising Washington’s stance. “If the American government abandons its totalitarianism and respects the rights of the Iranian nation, ways to reach an agreement will certainly be found,” he said. Pezeshkian also praised the negotiating team, including Ghalibaf, for their efforts, even as the talks failed to produce a breakthrough. The developments underline rising tensions in West Asia after negotiations between Tehran and Washington ended without a deal, raising concerns over further escalation in the strategically vital region.

Iran’s navy chief Shahram Irani dismissed the US move as unrealistic, calling Trump’s threat “ridiculous”.&nbsp;

Iran says it ‘will not bow to any threats’ after Trump orders Hormuz blockade

The USS Abraham Lincoln uses 24/7 dry air pumps to keep internal humidity below 50 per cent. This halts deep steel rust, drops corrosion rates 2,000 times, and saves millions in upkeep.

'Dry Air Pumps': How the USS Abraham Lincoln stops rust deep inside the ship

The USS Abraham Lincoln protects its 30-tonne anchors and massive chains from saltwater rust using high-pressure hawsepipe washes, dry chain lockers, and specialised marine paint. Regular mechanical rotation ensures the heavy links never fuse.

'Anchor Chains': Why the USS Abraham Lincoln's massive chains don't rust together

The USS Abraham Lincoln uses dielectric barriers, explosive bimetallic joints, and electrical currents to stop saltwater from chemically corroding its steel and aluminium structures.

'Metal Wars': How the USS Abraham Lincoln stops aluminum and steel from eating each other

The USS Abraham Lincoln uses 1944 sound-powered phones that convert voice pressure into current. Requiring zero external power, this analogue tech ensures communication during severe blackouts.

'Sound-Powered Phones': Why the USS Abraham Lincoln uses 1940s tech during power outages

The USS Abraham Lincoln boils seawater to create pure, salt-free water for its steam catapults. Raw seawater causes severe mineral buildup, destroying the ship's pipes and nuclear reactors.

'Pure Water': Why the USS Abraham Lincoln boils seawater just to launch its fighters

The USS Abraham Lincoln safely holds over 3 million gallons of JP-5 fuel. It uses a seawater compensated system to balance the 100,000-tonne ship and relies on strict pipe maintenance to protect its 26 water tanks and prevent contamination.

'Aviation Fuel': How the USS Abraham Lincoln safely stores millions of gallons of JP-5

The USS Abraham Lincoln fights a relentless daily battle against saltwater rust. Crews use heavy labour and sealants to protect the aircraft carrier's hull and nuclear reactors from deep decay.

'Hidden Decay': How the USS Abraham Lincoln fights rust deep inside its lower decks

The USS Abraham Lincoln requires nearly 200,000 gallons of Haze Gray paint. Protecting the supercarrier from saltwater corrosion demands intense labour, making routine maintenance highly expensive.

'Million-Dollar Paint': Why keeping the USS Abraham Lincoln gray is incredibly expensive

US Navy sailors use powerful pneumatic needle guns, striking up to 4,800 times a minute, to chip away thick rust and protect the 100,000-tonne USS Abraham Lincoln from severe oceanic corrosion.

'Needle Guns': How sailors remove rust from the USS Abraham Lincoln every day

The 100,000-tonne USS Abraham Lincoln survives massive ocean storms and rogue waves through a combination of immense structural engineering, uninterrupted nuclear propulsion, and strict damage-control protocols executed by its crew.

'Rogue Waves': How the USS Abraham Lincoln survives massive ocean storms

The USS Abraham Lincoln requires nearly 5,000 personnel to manage two nuclear reactors, maintain over 60 aircraft, and coordinate daily global maritime operations.

Why the USS Abraham Lincoln requires a massive crew of nearly 5,000 people

The USS Abraham Lincoln suppresses flight deck fires using an elite flying squad, AFFF foam, and a 27,000-gallon washdown system. The Nimitz-class carrier is compartmentalised into isolated bays and equipped with P-25 fire trucks for rapid damage control.

'Damage control': How the USS Abraham Lincoln stops fires in minutes

The USS Abraham Lincoln protects its A4W nuclear reactors using 2.5-inch Kevlar armour, a 100,000-tonne steel hull, watertight compartments, and active missile defence systems.

'Bulletproof shield': How the USS Abraham Lincoln protects its nuclear reactors

The USS Abraham Lincoln uses Replenishment at Sea to receive fresh food from supply ships at speeds of 14 knots. This mid-ocean transfer feeds 5,000 sailors with up to 700 pallets of supplies, keeping the carrier mission-ready for months.

'Sharing supplies': How USS Abraham Lincoln gets fresh food in the middle of the ocean

The USS Abraham Lincoln uses a layered defence of E-2D aircraft, electronic jamming, escort destroyers, and rapid-fire automated guns to neutralise 50-boat swarms.

'Swarm attack': How the USS Abraham Lincoln defends itself against 50 speedboats at once

Pakistan said on Sunday (March 29, 2026) that it is ready to "host and facilitate meaningful talks" between the United States and Iran to bring an end to the month-long war that has destabilise the region. Outlining growing support for its peace efforts, including from the United Nations and China, Pakistan issued a statement after its Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held "very productive talks" with Foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey in Islamabad. In a televised statement, Dar said that the visitors “expressed their full support” for potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad. Batting for “dialogue and diplomacy”, Pakistan said that both Iran and the US have “expressed their confidence” in Islamabad to facilitate the talks.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔊PR No.8️⃣2️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ Statement by the Deputy Prime Minister /Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Conclusion of 2nd Meeting of Four Foreign Ministers 🔗⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/JpUbUdhzLb">pic.twitter.com/JpUbUdhzLb</a>&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/2038312594147271059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-irgc-issues-ultimatum-to-us-universities-in-west-asia-after-attack-on-campuses-in-tehran-1774741664288/amp">'By 12 noon...': Iran issues ultimatum to US universities in West Asia after attack on campuses in Tehran</a><h2>Pakistan as a mediator</h2>Pakistan is counting on its longstanding links with Tehran and close contacts in the Gulf, as well as the personal rapport that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country’s powerful Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, have struck up with US President Donald Trump in the past few days. Dar and Sharif have held several calls with senior government ministers in Iran, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and were “actively engaged” with the US administration, the foreign minister said. The Pak Foreign Ministry statement also said that Dar spoke to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, adding that they “fully support” Pakistan’s push for peace, as do other governments around the world.&nbsp;Pakistan’s efforts make economic sense as it relies on oil and gas imports through the Strait of Hormuz. Continued disruption to shipping could worsen fuel supplies, driving up prices and forcing further austerity measures. Iran had allowed 20 more Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait after it started the mediation in the war.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-saudi-s-very-regular-kind-of-a-guy-mohammad-bin-salman-in-blunt-remarks-1774755156132">'Kissing my a**': Trump mocks Saudi's 'very regular kind of a guy' MBS in blunt remarks</a>&nbsp;Sunday’s talks, held under tight security and with no US, Israeli or Iranian representation, addressed efforts to stop the conflict from spreading and to encourage “a negotiations track” between Tehran and Washington to prevent the region “slipping into a state of complete chaos”, Cairo said.All three visiting ministers — Badr Abdelatty from Egypt, Hakan Fidan from Turkey, and Saudi Arabia’s Faisal bin Farhan — also met Pak PM Sharif as well as Asim Munir.<h2>How the war began?</h2>The war began on February 28, when the United States and Israel carried out pre-emptive airstrikes across Iran. The subsequent escalation reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a broad Iranian retaliation targeting not just Israel but also US bases across Gulf countries.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Pakistan offered to host US-Iran peace talks amid rising regional tensions. Backed by UN, China, and Middle Eastern allies, Islamabad is pushing diplomacy to end the conflict, protect trade routes, and stabilise the region while leveraging strong ties with both Tehran and Washington.

Pakistan said on Sunday (March 29, 2026) that it is ready to "host and facilitate meaningful talks" between the United States and Iran to bring an end to the month-long war that has destabilise the region. Outlining growing support for its peace efforts, including from the United Nations and China, Pakistan issued a statement after its Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held "very productive talks" with Foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey in Islamabad. In a televised statement, Dar said that the visitors “expressed their full support” for potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad. Batting for “dialogue and diplomacy”, Pakistan said that both Iran and the US have “expressed their confidence” in Islamabad to facilitate the talks.

Pakistan offered to host US-Iran peace talks amid rising regional tensions. Backed by UN, China, and Middle Eastern allies, Islamabad is pushing diplomacy to end the conflict, protect trade routes, and stabilise the region while leveraging strong ties with both Tehran and Washington.

'To host meaningful talks': Pakistan 'honoured' to mediate Iran-US war after Gulf FMs meet, with China’s support

The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group uses a dense network of destroyers, Aegis systems, and aircraft to protect the carrier from regional missile and drone threats in the Middle East.

'Strike Group': Why does the US need so many ships to guard the USS Abraham Lincoln from Iran?

Iran has threatened to launch sea-to-sea missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln if the American aircraft carrier enters its firing range.

'Enter and we fire': Why Iran is threatening the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea

Iran on Sunday (March 29) said the United States is secretly planning a ground attack despite publicly engaging in diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war in West Asia.&nbsp;“The enemy publicly sends messages of negotiation and dialogue while secretly planning a ground attack,” Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency.&nbsp;“Our men are waiting for the arrival of the American soldiers on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional allies once and for all,” he added.&nbsp;These statements come as several reports, including one from The Washington Post, indicate that the Pentagon has developed detailed plans for targeted ground operations in Iran, marking a significant shift in the conflict that began on February 28. While the White House maintains that no final decision has been made, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the arrival of the USS Tripoli and thousands of American Marines in the region, suggesting a move toward "maximum optionality" for the administration.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-awacs-hit-in-iran-strike-why-damage-to-e-3-sentry-is-a-major-blow-explained-1774775200851">US AWACS hit in Iran strike: Why damage to E-3 Sentry is a major blow | EXPLAINED</a>&nbsp;The development comes as the war triggered by a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign in Iran spiralled into a regional conflict, prompting an energy and security crisis as it crosses the one-month mark.&nbsp;Shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of global oil transits, came to a halt after Iran effectively closed it in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes that killed top leadership of the Islamic Republic, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and others.&nbsp;Ghalibaf described the conflict as a "major global war" that is "at its most critical state," and called for unity among Iranians.&nbsp;“We are certain that we can punish the United States, make it regret attacking Iran, and firmly secure our legitimate rights,” he said.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

These statements come as several reports, including one from The Washington Post, indicate that the Pentagon has developed detailed plans for targeted ground operations in Iran, marking a significant shift in the conflict that began on February 28.

Iran on Sunday (March 29) said the United States is secretly planning a ground attack despite publicly engaging in diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war in West Asia. “The enemy publicly sends messages of negotiation and dialogue while secretly planning a ground attack,” Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency. “Our men are waiting for the arrival of the American soldiers on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional allies once and for all,” he added. These statements come as several reports, including one from The Washington Post, indicate that the Pentagon has developed detailed plans for targeted ground operations in Iran, marking a significant shift in the conflict that began on February 28. While the White House maintains that no final decision has been made, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the arrival of the USS Tripoli and thousands of American Marines in the region, suggesting a move toward "maximum optionality" for the administration. Also Read: US AWACS hit in Iran strike: Why damage to E-3 Sentry is a major blow | EXPLAINED The development comes as the war triggered by a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign in Iran spiralled into a regional conflict, prompting an energy and security crisis as it crosses the one-month mark. Shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of global oil transits, came to a halt after Iran effectively closed it in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes that killed top leadership of the Islamic Republic, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and others. Ghalibaf described the conflict as a "major global war" that is "at its most critical state," and called for unity among Iranians. “We are certain that we can punish the United States, make it regret attacking Iran, and firmly secure our legitimate rights,” he said. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

These statements come as several reports, including one from The Washington Post, indicate that the Pentagon has developed detailed plans for targeted ground operations in Iran, marking a significant shift in the conflict that began on February 28.

'Our men are waiting for arrival of American soldiers': Iran accuses US of plotting ground attack despite diplomacy

Landing the 31,800-kg F-35C on the USS Abraham Lincoln requires halting a jet travelling at 150 mph on a moving 500-foot deck. Pilots face immense physical stress and zero margin for error.

'The hardest job': Why landing an F-35 on the USS Abraham Lincoln is so dangerous

The USS Abraham Lincoln uses nuclear-powered steam catapults to launch heavy fighter jets at 160 mph in just two seconds. This system allows rapid takeoffs from a short 300-foot flight deck.

‘0 to 160 mph’: How fighter jets take off from the USS Abraham Lincoln

The USS Abraham Lincoln is maintaining a powerful presence in the Middle East. Its advanced air wing, featuring stealth jets, provides critical security and deterrence in the airspace near Iran.

'Sky control': How the USS Abraham Lincoln owns the air space near Iran