The United States has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Middle East as tensions continue over prospects of an attack on Iran. The world's largest warship will join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, a warship already on standby. 

USS Gerald R. Ford joins USS Abraham Lincoln: 5 features that make it a gold standard in warships

These talks follow an earlier session in Muscat aimed at resolving longstanding disputes over Tehran’s nuclear programme. While officials report progress on ‘guiding principles,’ no final agreement has been reached.

F‑22s, F‑35s, USS Gerald R. Ford, Abraham Lincoln & tankers: How US is militarily positioned near Iran amid nuclear talks

By practicing coordinated strikes and electronic warfare with the Russian Navy, Iran is demonstrating its ability to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for its "shadow fleet" and energy exports, even under the threat of Trump’s "Maximum Pressure 2.0" sanctions.



'Drills announced': Will Russia help Iran defend against a US invasion?

The S-400 is a highly computerised system. Operation Silicon Siege reportedly involves using AI to identify "Zero-Day" vulnerabilities in the system’s firmware. 

'Operation Silicon Siege': How Trump could use AI against Iran to take out S-400 defence system

President Donald Trump has made it clear: time is running out for Tehran. While indirect talks continue in Geneva and Oman, the White House has signaled that the window for "strategic submission" is closing.

'War is coming': 7 ways Trump could strike Iran in 2026

The F-35C Lightning II delivers a combat radius of over 600 nautical miles (1,111 km) on internal fuel. This capability allows the USS Abraham Lincoln to project stealth power from safe distances without relying on aerial tankers for every mission.

'Combat Radius': How far can the F-35C fly from the USS Abraham Lincoln without a tanker?

The flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln relies on a strict colour-coded jersey system for safety. From 'Grapes' fuelling jets to red-shirted ordnance teams, every colour denotes a critical role in high-stakes naval aviation.

‘Shirts with Colors’: What do the white, red, and purple  shirts mean on the USS Abraham Lincoln’s flight deck?

The 100,000-tonne USS Abraham Lincoln cannot stop instantly. From a top speed of 30 knots, it takes approximately two miles (3.2 km) of 'crashing back' the engines to halt. The ship relies on nuclear power to reverse its massive propellers, fighting immense momentum.

'Long Stop': How many miles does it take the USS Abraham Lincoln to stop?

The USS Abraham Lincoln uses its 100,000-tonne mass, 333-metre length, and nuclear speed to handle severe ocean storms. From steering into waves to using heavy steel chains for aircraft, the crew employs strict protocols to ensure safety and stability in the roughest seas.

'Storm warning': What does the USS Abraham Lincoln do when big waves hit?

The 'gold' anchors on the USS Abraham Lincoln are not made of precious metal but are steel anchors painted gold to celebrate the Retention Excellence Award. Weighing 27 tonnes each, they symbolise high sailor reenlistment rates.

'30 tons of gold?': The truth behind USS Abraham Lincoln’s two giant anchors

Commissioned in 2017, the ship features advanced systems for generating electricity and fresh water while supporting sustained air operations at sea.

‘4 football fields at sea’: Inside the size & power of world’s largest carrier USS Gerald R. Ford now set for Iran’s waters

Delivered to the US Navy in 2017, the carrier incorporates advanced systems for generating electricity and fresh water while supporting sustained air operations at sea.

Water, electricity, food & warfighting: How USS Gerald R. Ford keeps thousands alive and combat-ready at sea

The United States is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long military operations against Iran if ordered by Donald Trump, US officials told Reuters. 

Could US hit Iran soon? 'Weeks‑long Iran operations' possible as USS Gerald R. Ford set to join Abraham Lincoln in Middle East

After the USS Abraham Lincoln, the US is sending USS Gerald R. Ford to the Middle East amid tensions with Iran, according to US media outlets. Citing US officials' sources, the New York Times also confirmed that ships will be sent to the Middle East from the Caribbean.

USS Gerald R Ford vs USS Abraham Lincoln: Which is more powerful? US' largest aircraft carriers compared

The 100,000-tonne USS Abraham Lincoln floats because its average density is lower than water. Using Archimedes' principle, its wide hull displaces enough water to create an upward force matching its immense weight.

'Weighs 100,000 tons': How does the USS Abraham Lincoln still float without sinking?

The USS Gerald R. Ford and Abraham Lincoln can act as sovereign floating airbases. With over 150 jets, F-35C stealth fighters, and 1,500-mile Tomahawk missiles, this dual-carrier group can strike anywhere in Iran without needing regional land bases.

Strike soon? How USS Gerald R. Ford & USS Abraham Lincoln duo can strike anywhere in Iran without using land bases

The US has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford to join the USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran, creating a massive two-carrier strike force. This follows failed nuclear talks and a drone shootdown, escalating tensions in the Middle East to a dangerous new level.

‘Iran’s Double Trouble’: Why the US sent the world’s largest carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to join USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran

During a 290-day deployment, the USS Abraham Lincoln travelled over 100,000 miles equal to circling the globe four times. Powered by two nuclear reactors, the ship operates for 20 years without refuelling, ensuring unmatched global reach.


‘Equal to four times around the globe’: How the USS Abraham Lincoln traveled over 100,000 miles without refueling

The USS Gerald R. Ford is joining the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East. Carrying F-35C stealth fighters armed with 2,000-lb smart bunker busters, this 100,000-tonne carrier can execute precise, continuous strikes on Iran's underground sites.

‘World’s largest US carrier’: How it could target Iran’s safe bunkers

To legally and strategically pave the way for kinetic military action, the U.S. State Department designated the “Cartel of the Suns” a decentralised network allegedly headed by Maduro, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). 

'Moving to Iran': How USS Gerald R. Ford helped in capturing Venezuela's President?

The US ordered the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Middle East to join the USS Abraham Lincoln. The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln bring over 150 aircraft. Armed with F-35C fighters, EA-18G, and Tomahawk missiles,

'No escape possible': How USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford can attack if war breaks out?

Its warplanes were reportedly involved in a January 2026 military operation in Caracas that culminated in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, highlighting the carrier’s active operational tempo before its sudden redirection to the Persian Gulf.

What is USS Gerald R Ford, that will join USS Abraham Lincoln in build up against Iran

In 2003, the USS Abraham Lincoln set a record with a 290-day deployment. Travelling 100,000 miles, the carrier launched 16,000 sorties and dropped 1.2 million pounds of ordnance during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.


‘290 days at sea’: This was the USS Abraham Lincoln’s most enduring mission

The USS Abraham Lincoln is a 100,000-tonne nuclear supercarrier capable of carrying 2,000 tonnes of ordnance. With 90 aircraft and a crew of 5,000, it projects immense power.

'Too heavy to lift?': How the USS Abraham Lincoln carries so many bombs and missiles