Tracking the rapid US military build-up near Iran

Al JazeeraEN 7 min read 100% complete by Elizabeth MelimopoulosFebruary 20, 2026 at 10:38 AM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

Amid rising tensions between the US and Iran, the US is significantly increasing its military presence in the Middle East as of February 2026. President Trump has given Iran a short deadline to agree to a deal regarding its nuclear program. The deployment includes a large number of aircraft, estimated at over 120, including advanced fighter jets and AWACS, marking the largest surge in US airpower in the region since the 2003 Iraq War. The USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier is reportedly joining the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Arabian Sea. Iran has warned of a decisive and proportionate response to any US aggression, holding the US responsible for any resulting consequences. The military build-up has also caused a dispute with the United Kingdom over the use of its joint military base in Diego Garcia.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Diego Garcia 40% United Kingdom 40% Arabian Sea 40% Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group 50% United Nations Security Council 50% USS Gerald R Ford 60% E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) ×260% Operation Midnight Hammer ×260% Donald Trump ×270% Middle East ×480% Iran ×790% United States ×690%

Keywords

us military build-up 90% iran 80% middle east 70% military assets 70% air power 60% ballistic missiles 50% nuclear programme 50% uss gerald r ford 40% e-3 sentry awacs 40%