Aircraft Carrier Lincoln Enters the Middle East and Washington Transfers Defense Systems to Protect Allies

SadaNews - The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying warships have entered the Middle East, sailing alongside three U.S. Navy destroyers capable of launching Tomahawk missiles, according to information reported by the Wall Street Journal from a U.S. defense official. The same source and official data confirmed that the United States has deployed F-15E fighter jets to a base in Jordan, and is transferring Patriot and THAAD air defense systems to the region to enhance the protection of U.S. facilities and its allies against any potential retaliatory attacks from Iran. The U.S. official added that some equipment has already arrived, with more expected within a week to two weeks. Earlier today, CNN reported from two sources that the strike group aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln is currently located in the Indian Ocean, making it closer to provide support for any potential U.S. operations targeting Iran. It added that this group falls under the responsibility of the U.S. Central Command, which includes military operations in the Middle East; however, the carrier is not necessarily in a final position for any potential operation, and U.S. President Donald Trump is still considering options to strike Iran, with no indications so far of a final decision. The network clarified that a typical strike group aboard an aircraft carrier usually consists of the carrier itself, guided missile cruisers, air-defense warships, and destroyers or frigates for anti-submarine warfare. Openness to Diplomacy For his part, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baqei confirmed today Iran's full readiness to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that the country possesses extraordinary capabilities to respond to any potential aggression. He added that Iran has never shied away from diplomacy, but stipulates that the other party should not seek war, warning that any U.S. threat or military moves in the region will not deter Iran’s defensive will, and any miscalculation could lead to a decisive response. He also emphasized the importance of regional security and stability, confirming ongoing defensive cooperation with China and Russia to enhance national capabilities, considering the U.S. or Israeli interference in the affairs of other countries as an unacceptable norm that threatens regional stability. Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, stated today that America’s tactics have changed this time, and Trump seeks to launch military operations amid social crises in Iran to undermine popular cohesion. Emphasis on Decisive Response First Vice President of Iran, Mohammad Reza Aref, affirmed that Iran is not a country seeking war and does not intend to initiate any conflict, adding that in defending the country there will be no hesitation. He explained that the government has prepared programs to manage the country in wartime conditions, despite hopes of not needing to implement them, confirming that the armed forces are fully prepared for defense should war be imposed. For his part, Iranian Judiciary Chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei stated that the enemy has prepared its military equipment in the region, and is talking within psychological operations about an imminent military aggression. He added that the new step taken by the enemy relies on the equipment brought to the region, as they set a day and hour, and so far, they have not succeeded. Iranian Defense Ministry spokesman Reza Talaei Nik indicated that Iran's military preparations have increased compared to the 12-day war period, and our defensive power has reached a level that allows for a stronger and more decisive response to any U.S. or Zionist attack, adding that any potential aggression will result in the enemy failing more than before, stressing the need to maintain full readiness in light of Trump’s threats and Netanyahu’s wars in the region.