In the heart of the Mediterranean and now shifting toward the Persian Gulf, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is on the move. As of February 13, 2026, the Pentagon has officially ordered this nuclear-powered titan to the Middle East, a decision that significantly escalates the American military footprint in an already volatile region as President Trump issues the 30-day ultimatum regarding Iran`s nuclear program  

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Tuesday that a U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea. The engagement occurred approximately 500 miles from the southern coast of Iran as the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).