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  

US–Iran tensions are entering a delicate phase: diplomacy and deterrence at the same time. While indirect nuclear talks resumed in Oman and were described as a “good start”, a dramatic incident unfolded in the Arabian Sea — a drone approached a US aircraft carrier and was shot down by a pilot aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner later visited the carrier, reinforcing what Washington calls a “peace through strength” approach amid high-octane upcoming meeting with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.