25.01.2026 09:20
The escalating tension between the US and Iran reached its peak with President Donald Trump's announcement of the deployment of the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to the Middle East. With the arrival of the aircraft carrier, described as the military's "strike force," the US has achieved its most significant military presence in the Middle East in the last eight months, while airlines have canceled flights to regional countries, further increasing the tension.
Due to the protests that started on December 28 in Iran, the U.S., which threatens the regime in Tehran, has made a military buildup in the Persian Gulf. It was reported that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which set sail from the South China Sea last week, along with two accompanying warships, is on its way to enter the Persian Gulf.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the aircraft carrier, described as the U.S. military's "Strike Force," is equipped with F-15 fighter jets, as well as F-35S fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles with a range of 1,600 kilometers. It was also stated that the two warships accompanying the USS Abraham Lincoln have the capabilities to strike air, land, and sea targets.
THE MOST INTENSE MILITARY FORCE IN THE LAST 8 MONTHS
The report also noted that the U.S. has reached the most intense military force in the Middle East in the last 8 months with new deployments. The U.S. and Israel had conducted airstrikes against Iran for 12 days last June. According to information provided by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority (KAN), the U.S.'s recent deployments have surpassed the military presence in the Middle East compared to the situation in June.
SURPRISE VISIT TO TEL AVIV
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Brad Cooper made a surprise visit to Israel's capital, Tel Aviv, yesterday. The visit comes at a time when tensions between the U.S. and Iran have reached a peak. Israeli media reported that Cooper would hold a tripartite meeting in Tel Aviv, which would also include Zamir and Israeli Air Force Commander Tomer Bar. The Israeli army had stated in a statement released last Thursday that the air force was on full alert and monitoring the situation.
CANCELLATION NEWS CAME IN SUCCESSION
Airline companies, primarily Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, and KLM, have canceled or temporarily suspended their flights to Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia. According to the announcement, Air France, which belongs to France, has canceled flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv, British Airways, which belongs to the UK, has canceled its flight to Dubai, and KLM, which belongs to the Netherlands, has canceled some planned flights to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. The Italian airline ITA has canceled night flights to Israel at least until Tuesday due to the escalation of regional tensions.