Rust costs the US Navy $3 billion annually. Constant saltwater exposure causes rapid corrosion on the USS Abraham Lincoln, requiring relentless, expensive repainting to maintain structural integrity.

Rust costs the US Navy $3 billion annually. Constant saltwater exposure causes rapid corrosion on the USS Abraham Lincoln, requiring relentless, expensive repainting to maintain structural integrity.

'The Silent Enemy': Why rust is the most expensive threat to the USS Abraham Lincoln

Fighter jets landing on the USS Abraham Lincoln dump fuel to meet a strict 34,000-pound max trap weight. Shedding this fuel protects the landing gear from a harsh 750 fpm impact and prevents the arresting cables from snapping.

Fighter jets landing on the USS Abraham Lincoln dump fuel to meet a strict 34,000-pound max trap weight. Shedding this fuel protects the landing gear from a harsh 750 fpm impact and prevents the arresting cables from snapping.

'Weight Limit': Why jets dump fuel before landing on the USS Abraham Lincoln

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

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 uses Haze Gray paint to seamlessly blend with the ocean horizon and clouds. This uniform grey shade delays visual detection and serves as vital rust protection.

The USS Abraham Lincoln uses Haze Gray paint to seamlessly blend with the ocean horizon and clouds. This uniform grey shade delays visual detection and serves as vital rust protection.

'Haze Gray': Why the USS Abraham Lincoln is painted that specific colour

Powered by dual nuclear reactors, the USS Abraham Lincoln has an unlimited range. Its sea endurance is limited only by a 90-day food supply for 5,000 personnel and the need to restock aviation fuel.

Powered by dual nuclear reactors, the USS Abraham Lincoln has an unlimited range. Its sea endurance is limited only by a 90-day food supply for 5,000 personnel and the need to restock aviation fuel.

'Always ready': How long can the USS Abraham Lincoln stay at sea?

The USS Abraham Lincoln exposes sailors to 150-decibel jet noise. This hazard causes severe hearing loss, requiring double ear protection during 16-hour shifts to prevent permanent injury.

The USS Abraham Lincoln exposes sailors to 150-decibel jet noise. This hazard causes severe hearing loss, requiring double ear protection during 16-hour shifts to prevent permanent injury.

'130-decibel danger': Why the USS Abraham Lincoln flight deck is so deadly

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.

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 and A-10 Warthog anchor America's global military reach. The nuclear-powered carrier serves as a floating airbase, while the heavily armoured A-10 delivers devastating ground strikes in hostile combat zones worldwide.

The USS Abraham Lincoln and A-10 Warthog anchor America's global military reach. The nuclear-powered carrier serves as a floating airbase, while the heavily armoured A-10 delivers devastating ground strikes in hostile combat zones worldwide.

'Power projection': How A-10 Warthog and USS Abraham Lincoln operate globally

In a significant shift in Tehran's stance, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (March 31) signalled that his country had the "necessary will" to bring the ongoing war with Israel and the United States to a close, as the conflict entered its second month. However, he stressed that Iran was seeking firm guarantees that hostilities would not be repeated, AFP reported.&nbsp;"We possess the necessary will to end this conflict, provided that essential conditions are met, especially the guarantees required to prevent repetition of the aggression," Pezeshkian said in a phone conversation with the President of the European Council, according to a statement from his office, reiterating a key demand of Tehran's.&nbsp;The remarks mark a notable softening in Iran's public posture and could prove pivotal in shaping the trajectory of a conflict that has shown little sign of letting up.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump reportedly told his aides that he is prepared to end the military campaign against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed.&nbsp;According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, Trump and his advisors concluded that a full-scale operation to reopen the waterway would extend the conflict well beyond his preferred four-to-six-week timeline. Trump's current strategy focuses on "hobbling" Iran’s missile stocks and naval capabilities before transitioning to diplomatic pressure to restore global trade flows.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-credits-effective-foreign-policy-for-keeping-the-situation-under-control-amid-west-asia-conflict-1774976043692">PM Modi credits effective foreign policy for keeping the ‘situation under control’ amid West Asia conflict</a>&nbsp;However, the President has reiterated his warning to use overwhelming force as&nbsp;the US continues to reinforce its military strength in the area, with additional troops being deployed in successive waves.&nbsp;While expressing a willingness to wind down active hostilities, he warned on Truth Social on Monday that if a deal is not reached "shortly" and the Strait is not immediately "Open for Business," the US will move to "obliterate" Iran's civilian infrastructure, including electric plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island.&nbsp;Iran continues to maintain its grip over the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20 per cent of global oil transit, bringing shipping through the waterway to a standstill. However, it has allowed only selected countries to pass through the strait, which it describes as “friendly” towards Tehran.&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.)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (March 31) signalled that his country had the "necessary will" to bring the ongoing war with Israel and the United States to a close, as the conflict entered its second month.

In a significant shift in Tehran's stance, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (March 31) signalled that his country had the "necessary will" to bring the ongoing war with Israel and the United States to a close, as the conflict entered its second month. However, he stressed that Iran was seeking firm guarantees that hostilities would not be repeated, AFP reported. "We possess the necessary will to end this conflict, provided that essential conditions are met, especially the guarantees required to prevent repetition of the aggression," Pezeshkian said in a phone conversation with the President of the European Council, according to a statement from his office, reiterating a key demand of Tehran's. The remarks mark a notable softening in Iran's public posture and could prove pivotal in shaping the trajectory of a conflict that has shown little sign of letting up. Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump reportedly told his aides that he is prepared to end the military campaign against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, Trump and his advisors concluded that a full-scale operation to reopen the waterway would extend the conflict well beyond his preferred four-to-six-week timeline. Trump's current strategy focuses on "hobbling" Iran’s missile stocks and naval capabilities before transitioning to diplomatic pressure to restore global trade flows. Also Read: PM Modi credits effective foreign policy for keeping the ‘situation under control’ amid West Asia conflict However, the President has reiterated his warning to use overwhelming force as the US continues to reinforce its military strength in the area, with additional troops being deployed in successive waves. While expressing a willingness to wind down active hostilities, he warned on Truth Social on Monday that if a deal is not reached "shortly" and the Strait is not immediately "Open for Business," the US will move to "obliterate" Iran's civilian infrastructure, including electric plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island. Iran continues to maintain its grip over the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20 per cent of global oil transit, bringing shipping through the waterway to a standstill. However, it has allowed only selected countries to pass through the strait, which it describes as “friendly” towards Tehran. (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.)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (March 31) signalled that his country had the "necessary will" to bring the ongoing war with Israel and the United States to a close, as the conflict entered its second month.

Iran expresses ‘necessary will’ to end war with US and Israel, seeks guarantees

The F-35C Lightning II provides the USS Abraham Lincoln with unmatched stealth and strike range. This fifth-generation jet and the Black Knights squadron are currently redefining naval warfare and security in the Middle East.

The F-35C Lightning II provides the USS Abraham Lincoln with unmatched stealth and strike range. This fifth-generation jet and the Black Knights squadron are currently redefining naval warfare and security in the Middle East.

'F-35C Lightning': Why is this specific stealth fighter jet perfect for the USS Abraham Lincoln?

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.

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.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first sit-down interview since the war against Iran started, said that the conflict has crossed the halfway mark in terms of objectives. However, he stopped short of committing to any timeline for when the fighting might end. "It's definitely beyond the halfway point. But I don't want to put a schedule on it," Netanyahu told conservative US broadcaster Newsmax on Monday (Mar 30). As rumours of the Israeli PM's death continue to swirl, he clarified that he was measuring progress by missions accomplished rather than time elapsed. That distinction matters. Here's why.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-says-he-ll-get-to-the-bottom-of-ufo-files-also-he-thinks-aliens-are-demons-1774680082168">JD Vance says he'll get to the bottom of UFO files. Also, he thinks aliens are demons | Watch</a><h2>Missions vs time: When will the Iran war end?</h2>When US President Donald Trump and Netanyahu jointly launched the offensive on February 28, Trump had suggested the operation would wrap up within four to six weeks. March 31 marks Day 32 of the US-Israel, Iran war.Secretary of State Marco Rubio struck a more cautious tone Monday, saying the war would likely continue for "weeks" rather than months. His statement comes amid growing public opposition as oil prices continue climbing.<h2>What has Trump-Netanyahu's war achieved so far?</h2>In his interview, Netanyahu said that the war against Iran has achieved concrete gains so far, killing "thousands" of Revolutionary Guard members, with the US and Israel "close to finishing their arms industry.""Just the whole industrial base -- wiping out all, you know, just plants, entire plants, and the nuclear program itself," he said. Netanyahu and Trump have repeatedly maintained that Iran was on the verge of acquiring a nuclear weapon. The UN's nuclear watchdog does not support the claim. Notably, last year, after the 12-day war, Trump himself claimed that he had already "obliterated" Iran's key nuclear sites.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-fake-news-will-say-trump-rebrands-hormuz-the-strait-of-trump-was-it-a-slip-of-tongue-or-deliberate-watch-1774667533281">'Fake news will say...': Trump rebrands Hormuz 'The Strait of Trump'—was it a slip of tongue or a warning? Watch!</a>Netanyahu also weighed in on the question of regime change in the Islamic Republic. He said he believes Iran's Islamic Republic will "collapse internally," but insisted that "at the moment, right now, what we're doing is just degrading their military capacity, degrading their missile capacity, degrading their nuclear capacity and also weakening them from the inside."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.

Is the Iran war already past its halfway mark? Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first sit-down interview amid death rumours, says yes, but refuses to give a timeline, even as the conflict crosses Day 30. How close is the end really?

Scroll down to read more.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first sit-down interview since the war against Iran started, said that the conflict has crossed the halfway mark in terms of objectives. However, he stopped short of committing to any timeline for when the fighting might end. "It's definitely beyond the halfway point. But I don't want to put a schedule on it," Netanyahu told conservative US broadcaster Newsmax on Monday (Mar 30). As rumours of the Israeli PM's death continue to swirl, he clarified that he was measuring progress by missions accomplished rather than time elapsed. That distinction matters. Here's why. Also read | JD Vance says he'll get to the bottom of UFO files. Also, he thinks aliens are demons | Watch Missions vs time: When will the Iran war end? When US President Donald Trump and Netanyahu jointly launched the offensive on February 28, Trump had suggested the operation would wrap up within four to six weeks. March 31 marks Day 32 of the US-Israel, Iran war. Secretary of State Marco Rubio struck a more cautious tone Monday, saying the war would likely continue for "weeks" rather than months. His statement comes amid growing public opposition as oil prices continue climbing. What has Trump-Netanyahu's war achieved so far? In his interview, Netanyahu said that the war against Iran has achieved concrete gains so far, killing "thousands" of Revolutionary Guard members, with the US and Israel "close to finishing their arms industry." "Just the whole industrial base -- wiping out all, you know, just plants, entire plants, and the nuclear program itself," he said. Netanyahu and Trump have repeatedly maintained that Iran was on the verge of acquiring a nuclear weapon. The UN's nuclear watchdog does not support the claim. Notably, last year, after the 12-day war, Trump himself claimed that he had already "obliterated" Iran's key nuclear sites. Also read | 'Fake news will say...': Trump rebrands Hormuz 'The Strait of Trump'—was it a slip of tongue or a warning? Watch! Netanyahu also weighed in on the question of regime change in the Islamic Republic. He said he believes Iran's Islamic Republic will "collapse internally," but insisted that "at the moment, right now, what we're doing is just degrading their military capacity, degrading their missile capacity, degrading their nuclear capacity and also weakening them from the inside." 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.

Is the Iran war already past its halfway mark? Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first sit-down interview amid death rumours, says yes, but refuses to give a timeline, even as the conflict crosses Day 30. How close is the end really?Scroll down to read more.

As death rumours swirl, Netanyahu sits down for interview claiming Iran war past halfway; but refuses to give end date

Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Tehran, in his latest social media post, the US president says that he is in “serious discussions with a new, and more reasonable, regime to end our military operations in Iran.” Not too long ago, he said he was in talks with the leadership, but Tehran denied his claims and said “no direct or indirect talks” have taken place with America.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-intensifies-us-has-over-50-000-troops-in-west-asia-1774880981690/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-intensifies-us-has-over-50-000-troops-in-west-asia-1774880981690/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The 79-year-old added, “Great progress has been made but, if for any reason a deal is not shortly reached, which it probably will be, and if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately “Open for Business,” we will conclude our lovely “stay” in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their electric generating plants, oil wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinisation plants!), which we have purposefully not yet touched.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-war-why-iran-is-targeting-uae-bases-but-letting-abu-dhabi-oil-pass-on-friendly-ships-1773726079438">West Asia War: Why Iran is targeting UAE but letting Abu Dhabi oil pass on 'friendly' ships</a>&nbsp;He said it will be in “retribution for our many soldiers, and others, that Iran has butchered and killed over the old Regime’s 47-year reign of terror.” Amid the ongoing war, which has created a global energy crisis, Trump had announced a pause for 5 days on March 23 and then extended it for 10 days on March 27. According to this timeline, the 10th day would be April 6, but today on March 30, the US president threatened Iran even before the ultimatum could end. As the US and Israel's joint military operation in Iran was paused as per Donald Trump's claims. In a social media post he wrote, “I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.” He also pointed to “detailed, and constructive conversations”, while Tehran denies any such dialogue. The Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, said no direct or indirect talks have taken place in the last 24 hours, and the parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, reiterated.&nbsp;What began as a joint military strike in Iran on February 28 has spread across the region far and beyond. Following the attack which killed Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, Tehran conducted airstrikes on American bases in West Asia.

President Donald Trump issued a final ultimatum to Tehran on Monday (Mar 30), demanding the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Tehran, in his latest social media post, the US president says that he is in “serious discussions with a new, and more reasonable, regime to end our military operations in Iran.” Not too long ago, he said he was in talks with the leadership, but Tehran denied his claims and said “no direct or indirect talks” have taken place with America. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-intensifies-us-has-over-50-000-troops-in-west-asia-1774880981690/embed The 79-year-old added, “Great progress has been made but, if for any reason a deal is not shortly reached, which it probably will be, and if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately “Open for Business,” we will conclude our lovely “stay” in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their electric generating plants, oil wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinisation plants!), which we have purposefully not yet touched.” Also read: West Asia War: Why Iran is targeting UAE but letting Abu Dhabi oil pass on 'friendly' ships He said it will be in “retribution for our many soldiers, and others, that Iran has butchered and killed over the old Regime’s 47-year reign of terror.” Amid the ongoing war, which has created a global energy crisis, Trump had announced a pause for 5 days on March 23 and then extended it for 10 days on March 27. According to this timeline, the 10th day would be April 6, but today on March 30, the US president threatened Iran even before the ultimatum could end. As the US and Israel's joint military operation in Iran was paused as per Donald Trump's claims. In a social media post he wrote, “I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.” He also pointed to “detailed, and constructive conversations”, while Tehran denies any such dialogue. The Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, said no direct or indirect talks have taken place in the last 24 hours, and the parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, reiterated. What began as a joint military strike in Iran on February 28 has spread across the region far and beyond. Following the attack which killed Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, Tehran conducted airstrikes on American bases in West Asia.

President Donald Trump issued a final ultimatum to Tehran on Monday (Mar 30), demanding the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Open Hormuz or else: Trump threatens to blow up Iran's power plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is currently escorted by three guided-missile destroyers near Iran. Equipped with stealth fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles, this massive naval fleet serves to deter regional threats.

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is currently escorted by three guided-missile destroyers near Iran. Equipped with stealth fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles, this massive naval fleet serves to deter regional threats.

'Massive Fleet': How many US ships actually escort the USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran?

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.

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?

The disruption has also had a significant human impact, with around 20,000 seafarers stranded on nearly 2,000 vessels west of the strait, according to International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

The disruption has also had a significant human impact, with around 20,000 seafarers stranded on nearly 2,000 vessels west of the strait, according to International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

'$140 million a day': How shadow fleet Is fueling Iran’s war as Strait of Hormuz shipping drops 95%?

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.

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

US forces intercepted 101 Iranian missiles aimed at the USS Abraham Lincoln. While Iran claimed strikes forced a 1,000-kilometre retreat, CENTCOM confirmed the carrier is 100 per cent operational.

US President Donald Trump claims US forces successfully intercepted all 101 Iranian missiles fired at the USS Abraham Lincoln. While Iran alleges the carrier retreated, CENTCOM confirmed the vessel remains 100 per cent operational.

'Defensive victory': How the USS Abraham Lincoln survived 101 missiles from Iran

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is deployed to the Middle East, bringing dozens of advanced aircraft and heavy missile defence to deter Iranian escalation and project American naval power.

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is deployed to the Middle East, bringing dozens of advanced aircraft and heavy missile defence to deter Iranian escalation and project American naval power.

'Maximum pressure': Why the USS Abraham Lincoln is the centerpiece of the US response to Iran

Iran's anti-ship missile arsenal included the 30-km Nasr and the 1,000-km Abu Mahdi. While these weapons once threatened Arabian Sea shipping, recent US and Israeli strikes have systematically destroyed most of these coastal facilities.


Iran's anti-ship missile arsenal included the 30-km Nasr and the 1,000-km Abu Mahdi. While these weapons once threatened Arabian Sea shipping, recent US and Israeli strikes have systematically destroyed most of these coastal facilities.

‘Beyond the Strait of Hormuz’: How far can Iranian anti‑ship cruise missiles actually strike?

The USS Spruance uses the Aegis radar system to track and destroy small drone swarms. The guided-missile destroyer provides a multi-layered defensive shield for the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Arabian Sea.

The USS Spruance uses the Aegis radar system to track and destroy small drone swarms. The guided-missile destroyer provides a multi-layered defensive shield for the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Arabian Sea.

'Spotting a Golf Ball': How the USS Spruance tracks tiny drones for the USS Abraham Lincoln

The USS Spruance uses its advanced SPY-1 radar to detect and destroy drone swarms. This Aegis system tracks multiple targets, protecting the USS Abraham Lincoln from aerial threats.

The USS Spruance uses its advanced SPY-1 radar to detect and destroy drone swarms. This Aegis system tracks multiple targets, protecting the USS Abraham Lincoln from aerial threats.

'Spotting the swarm': How the USS Spruance uses the SPY-1 radar to protect the USS Abraham Lincoln from drones

The escalating Iran conflict and its geopolitical fallout will be among issues under discussion at the WION World Pulse event on Wednesday (Mar 18) in the Indian capital of New Delhi. The war placed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in an unusual situation: several actors in the war - both Iran and Gulf states - sit in the same grouping. While Iran is a full member, top Gulf states affected by the war participate as dialogue partners. India, another major SCO member, finds itself navigating a delicate middle path. As the war disrupts energy flows and strategic balances, SCO is facing one question: Can it find consensus when its members and partners are tied to rival camps?<h2>The Iran war's regional impact</h2>The war started with joint US-Israel strikes on Iran from February 28, triggering retaliatory actions from Tehran targeting Gulf nations. Iran’s partial blocking of the Strait of Hormuz has had far-reaching consequences, including for most members of SCO. The disruption choked supplies of commodities from crude oil and natural gas to fertilisers and food, raising global energy prices and threatening supply chains.The crisis has drawn in countries across the Gulf and beyond. It has become a &nbsp;test case for multilateral organisations such as the SCO, on how to respond when its member states’ interests diverge sharply.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-world-pulse-the-leaders-confluence-the-rhythm-of-the-new-world-order-takes-centrestage-in-new-delhi-1773222456167">Wion World Pulse: The Leaders' Confluence - The Rhythm of the New World Order takes centrestage in New Delhi</a><h2>The SCO’s expanding Gulf footprint</h2>Iran became a full member of the SCO in July 2023, joining a bloc that already includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus.Several Gulf states affected by the conflict are dialogue partners, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Only Oman is not part of the SCO framework in any form. Dialogue partner can participate in selected SCO events and cooperation initiatives under the SCO charter. In 2025, the SCO introduced a new “SCO Partner” category intended to gradually replace older observer and dialogue partner formats, but the existing Gulf partnerships remain active.The overall result is a forum where countries linked to different sides of the Iran conflict coexist under the same institutional umbrella.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-world-pulse-iran-war-response-of-brics-with-india-as-chair-under-focus-1773642486663">WION World Pulse: Iran war response of BRICS, with India as chair, under focus</a><h2>SCO statements on Iran war: Condemnation without consensus</h2>The SCO responded to the conflict through official statements rather than concrete policy measures, since the 2025 12-day war involving Israel, Iran and the US.On 14 June 2025, the SCO strongly condemned Israeli strikes carried out a day earlier, calling them “aggressive actions against civilian targets” and “gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.” The SCO statement said the attacks infringed on Iran’s sovereignty and threatened regional and global stability, while urging a political and diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue.Another statement, issued on 23 June 2025, condemned US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, again calling them violations of international law and urging immediate de-escalation.This year, as hostilities persisted, the SCO expressed “grave concern” over the situation and said the use of force was “unacceptable.” It called for the protection of Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. It also urged all parties to resolve differences through dialogue and diplomacy. SCO also called on the UN and the UN Security Council to take immediate steps. The language is strong, but the statements also exposed the limits of the SCO’s collective response. There is no mediation efforts led by SCO, nor any coordinated security measures or moves to secure the energy and goods supplies.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-world-pulse-the-leaders-confluence-the-rhythm-of-the-new-world-order-takes-centrestage-in-new-delhi-1773222456167">Wion World Pulse: The Leaders' Confluence - The Rhythm of the New World Order takes centrestage in New Delhi</a><h2>India's middle path: Is it clashing with SCO's stance?</h2>India has good relations with most of the SCO members, as well as the belligerents in the war: Israel and the US. India’s independent stance in foreign policy is an issue when looked from the SCO lens. In June 2025, for instance, while China and Russia supported strong condemnations of Israeli strikes, India declined to endorse the joint SCO statement criticising Israel. India issued a separate statement stressing de-escalation and diplomacy while highlighting its friendly relations with both Iran and Israel.&nbsp;India’s balancing strategy is a result of deep defence and technological ties with Israel, one of its largest arms suppliers, while simultaneously sustaining economic and strategic engagement with Iran. The Chabahar Port, a joint project with Iran, is central to India’s connectivity ambitions toward Central Asia.The Indian divergence at SCO illustrates a broader reality: for a grouping that tries to operate on consensus, collective action becomes difficult in situations like the Iran war, where national interests clash.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-world-pulse-rhythm-of-the-new-world-order-1773582256218/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-world-pulse-rhythm-of-the-new-world-order-1773582256218/embed</a><h2>SCO's Iran war response is driven by member states' energy security concerns</h2>With the Strait of Hormuz under threat, energy security has become the most immediate concern for major SCO economies including India.Russia, a key energy exporter, offered to increase oil supplies to both China and India to offset the disruptions. Moscow said it's is ready to increase deliveries and can meet India’s energy requirements if the conflict intensifies.China responded by strengthening its energy security strategy, accelerating purchases of discounted Russian oil, using the window opened by the US desanctioning of Russian crude. China is also expanding domestic energy investments.India's precautionary and contingency steps are underway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired meetings with senior ministers to secure energy routes, expand alternative supply chains and prepare for volatility in global oil markets.<h2>Iran war and the SCO’s structural constraints</h2>The crisis underscores a structural challenge within the SCO, as its members have &nbsp;overlapping but often competing interests. Iran sits alongside India and China, which are major energy importers, while Russia is a leading oil exporter. Pakistan and India are strategic rivals in SCO, while Gulf states engaged with the organisation maintain close ties with Western powers like the US. Such diversity, and diverging interests, limit SCO's ability to act decisively during conflicts involving its members or partners.The organisation’s role in the Iran war remains largely rhetorical: calling for de-escalation, emphasising international law and urging UN-led diplomacy.<h2>SCO: A forum for discussion, not intervention</h2>SCO offers a space where rival powers can engage diplomatically, but lacks the mechanisms or consensus to intervene directly in conflicts involving its members.As the Iran war continues to reshape regional dynamics and energy markets, these contradictions will feature in discussions at the WION World Pulse.The event starts at 10 am on Wednesday at ITC Maurya, New Delhi. Don't miss it.&nbsp;

WION World Pulse: Iran war is testing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as its members take divergent positions. While India balances ties with Iran and Israel,  SCO struggles to move collectively beyond statements, with individual members focused on energy security

The escalating Iran conflict and its geopolitical fallout will be among issues under discussion at the WION World Pulse event on Wednesday (Mar 18) in the Indian capital of New Delhi. The war placed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in an unusual situation: several actors in the war - both Iran and Gulf states - sit in the same grouping. While Iran is a full member, top Gulf states affected by the war participate as dialogue partners. India, another major SCO member, finds itself navigating a delicate middle path. As the war disrupts energy flows and strategic balances, SCO is facing one question: Can it find consensus when its members and partners are tied to rival camps? The Iran war's regional impact The war started with joint US-Israel strikes on Iran from February 28, triggering retaliatory actions from Tehran targeting Gulf nations. Iran’s partial blocking of the Strait of Hormuz has had far-reaching consequences, including for most members of SCO. The disruption choked supplies of commodities from crude oil and natural gas to fertilisers and food, raising global energy prices and threatening supply chains. The crisis has drawn in countries across the Gulf and beyond. It has become a test case for multilateral organisations such as the SCO, on how to respond when its member states’ interests diverge sharply. Also read: Wion World Pulse: The Leaders' Confluence - The Rhythm of the New World Order takes centrestage in New Delhi The SCO’s expanding Gulf footprint Iran became a full member of the SCO in July 2023, joining a bloc that already includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus. Several Gulf states affected by the conflict are dialogue partners, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Only Oman is not part of the SCO framework in any form. Dialogue partner can participate in selected SCO events and cooperation initiatives under the SCO charter. In 2025, the SCO introduced a new “SCO Partner” category intended to gradually replace older observer and dialogue partner formats, but the existing Gulf partnerships remain active. The overall result is a forum where countries linked to different sides of the Iran conflict coexist under the same institutional umbrella. Also read: WION World Pulse: Iran war response of BRICS, with India as chair, under focus SCO statements on Iran war: Condemnation without consensus The SCO responded to the conflict through official statements rather than concrete policy measures, since the 2025 12-day war involving Israel, Iran and the US. On 14 June 2025, the SCO strongly condemned Israeli strikes carried out a day earlier, calling them “aggressive actions against civilian targets” and “gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.” The SCO statement said the attacks infringed on Iran’s sovereignty and threatened regional and global stability, while urging a political and diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue. Another statement, issued on 23 June 2025, condemned US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, again calling them violations of international law and urging immediate de-escalation. This year, as hostilities persisted, the SCO expressed “grave concern” over the situation and said the use of force was “unacceptable.” It called for the protection of Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. It also urged all parties to resolve differences through dialogue and diplomacy. SCO also called on the UN and the UN Security Council to take immediate steps. The language is strong, but the statements also exposed the limits of the SCO’s collective response. There is no mediation efforts led by SCO, nor any coordinated security measures or moves to secure the energy and goods supplies. Also read: Wion World Pulse: The Leaders' Confluence - The Rhythm of the New World Order takes centrestage in New Delhi India's middle path: Is it clashing with SCO's stance? India has good relations with most of the SCO members, as well as the belligerents in the war: Israel and the US. India’s independent stance in foreign policy is an issue when looked from the SCO lens. In June 2025, for instance, while China and Russia supported strong condemnations of Israeli strikes, India declined to endorse the joint SCO statement criticising Israel. India issued a separate statement stressing de-escalation and diplomacy while highlighting its friendly relations with both Iran and Israel. India’s balancing strategy is a result of deep defence and technological ties with Israel, one of its largest arms suppliers, while simultaneously sustaining economic and strategic engagement with Iran. The Chabahar Port, a joint project with Iran, is central to India’s connectivity ambitions toward Central Asia. The Indian divergence at SCO illustrates a broader reality: for a grouping that tries to operate on consensus, collective action becomes difficult in situations like the Iran war, where national interests clash. https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-world-pulse-rhythm-of-the-new-world-order-1773582256218/embed SCO's Iran war response is driven by member states' energy security concerns With the Strait of Hormuz under threat, energy security has become the most immediate concern for major SCO economies including India. Russia, a key energy exporter, offered to increase oil supplies to both China and India to offset the disruptions. Moscow said it's is ready to increase deliveries and can meet India’s energy requirements if the conflict intensifies. China responded by strengthening its energy security strategy, accelerating purchases of discounted Russian oil, using the window opened by the US desanctioning of Russian crude. China is also expanding domestic energy investments. India's precautionary and contingency steps are underway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired meetings with senior ministers to secure energy routes, expand alternative supply chains and prepare for volatility in global oil markets. Iran war and the SCO’s structural constraints The crisis underscores a structural challenge within the SCO, as its members have overlapping but often competing interests. Iran sits alongside India and China, which are major energy importers, while Russia is a leading oil exporter. Pakistan and India are strategic rivals in SCO, while Gulf states engaged with the organisation maintain close ties with Western powers like the US. Such diversity, and diverging interests, limit SCO's ability to act decisively during conflicts involving its members or partners. The organisation’s role in the Iran war remains largely rhetorical: calling for de-escalation, emphasising international law and urging UN-led diplomacy. SCO: A forum for discussion, not intervention SCO offers a space where rival powers can engage diplomatically, but lacks the mechanisms or consensus to intervene directly in conflicts involving its members. As the Iran war continues to reshape regional dynamics and energy markets, these contradictions will feature in discussions at the WION World Pulse. The event starts at 10 am on Wednesday at ITC Maurya, New Delhi. Don't miss it.

WION World Pulse: Iran war is testing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as its members take divergent positions. While India balances ties with Iran and Israel, &nbsp;SCO struggles to move collectively beyond statements, with individual members focused on energy security

WION World Pulse: Iran war and the SCO - India in the middle as rival interests test bloc

The USS Spruance uses the advanced Aegis Combat System and AN/SPY-1 radar to detect, track, and intercept Iranian drones and missiles, effectively shielding the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea.

The USS Spruance uses the advanced Aegis Combat System and AN/SPY-1 radar to detect, track, and intercept Iranian drones and missiles, effectively shielding the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea.

'Radar lock': How USS Spruance spots incoming Iranian threats before they can reach USS Abraham Lincoln