The United States has announced plans to hold multi-day military exercises in the Middle East as it deploys what President Donald Trump has called an 'armada' led by the USS Abraham Lincoln to the region amid a tense standoff with Iran.
Air Forces Central, the air component of US Central Command, said on Tuesday that the exercise is designed to demonstrate the ability to deploy, disperse and sustain combat airpower across the region. The drill will also enhance asset and personnel dispersal capability, strengthen regional partnerships and prepare for flexible response execution. The dates, location and list of assets have not been made public.
The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by several guided missile destroyers, arrived in the region on Monday. The carrier has several dozen fighter jets and nearly 5,000 sailors. The US has also moved a squadron of F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets to the region, from the same unit that participated in strikes on Iran in April 2024. The UK has also deployed Typhoon jets in a 'defensive capacity'.
President Trump said the US has a 'big armada next to Iran, bigger than Venezuela', but also suggested openness to talks, claiming Iran 'wants to make a deal'. He has threatened to attack Iran if it carries out mass executions of demonstrators, but later appeared to pull back, saying 'the killing has stopped'. The US-based Human Rights Activists news agency estimates nearly 6,000 people have been killed in the crackdown, while the Iranian government admits to just over 3,100 deaths.
Central Command said the drills would be conducted in partnership with Middle Eastern nations and announced a defensive drill with Bahrain focusing on downing drones. However, the United Arab Emirates has said it will not allow its airspace, territory or territorial waters to be used for an attack on Iran, citing a desire to maintain neutrality and promote regional stability.
