U.S. Deploys Second Aircraft Carrier to Middle East Amid Iran Tensions

The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group heads to the region, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln group already there.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The U.S. is deploying a second aircraft carrier strike group, led by the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Middle East amid ongoing tensions with Iran. This comes as the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is already operating in the region. The move underscores the Trump administration's seriousness in dealing with Iran over its nuclear program and regional activities.

Why it matters

The presence of two U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups in the Middle East represents a significant military buildup and signals Washington's willingness to potentially increase pressure on Iran. This deployment could heighten the risk of military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran in the region.

The details

The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is expected to depart the Caribbean Sea and head to the Middle East in the coming days, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln group that arrived in the region late last month. Officials informed the Ford's crew on Thursday about the potential deployment. The Ford had been operating in the Caribbean since November as part of a mission focused on countering drug trafficking near Venezuela. Now the carrier strike group is preparing to cross the Atlantic and Mediterranean again, potentially facing a deployment lasting up to ten months.

  • The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group crossed into the U.S. Military's Central Command area of responsibility, which includes Iran, on January 26th, 2026.
  • The USS Ford is now expected to return to its home port in Norfolk, Virginia, around late April or early May 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who has publicly discussed the possibility of increasing military pressure on Iran over its nuclear program and response to recent protests.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The Supreme Leader of Iran, who has warned that any attacks by the U.S. would spark a 'regional war.'

USS Gerald R. Ford

The world's largest aircraft carrier, which is leading the carrier strike group being deployed to the Middle East.

USS Abraham Lincoln

The aircraft carrier strike group that arrived in the Middle East late last month.

Nicolás Maduro

The former President of Venezuela, who was the target of a raid by aircraft from the USS Ford in early January 2026.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.