US build-up of warships and fighter jets tracked near Iran

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete February 16, 2026 at 07:17 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

The US has increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying warships and fighter jets near Iran. Satellite imagery confirms the location of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, leading a strike group, in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Oman. The USS Gerald R Ford, the world's largest warship, is also reportedly en route to the region. This build-up occurs as US and Iranian officials prepare for a second round of talks in Switzerland, where Iran seeks to discuss its nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions, while the US aims to address other issues. BBC Verify has tracked a total of twelve US ships in the Middle East, including destroyers and combat ships, along with increased US aircraft activity.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Red Sea 30% Mediterranean 30% Switzerland 40% Bahrain 40% Oman ×250% Alex Murray 60% Richard Irvine-Brown 60% USS Gerald R Ford 60% Middle East ×470% USS Abraham Lincoln ×580% Iran ×590% United States ×1090%

Keywords

us military build-up 90% iran 80% warships 70% fighter jets 70% middle east 70% uss abraham lincoln 60% nuclear programme 50% satellite imagery 50% economic sanctions 50% military assets 40%