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As tensions escalate following early January threats from President Trump over Iran's crackdown on civilian protesters, American naval strike groups and strategic assets are repositioning in a pattern that mirrors previous military operations against Tehran.
UPDATED: Jan 23, 2026 16:05 IST
As tensions escalate following early January threats from President Trump over Iran's crackdown on civilian protesters, American naval strike groups and strategic assets are repositioning in a pattern that mirrors previous military operations against Tehran.
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, which was stationed in the South China Sea when Trump issued his initial warnings, has been steadily advancing towards the Arabian Sea. On 20 January, the Lincoln crossed the Malacca Straits and entered the Indian Ocean, travelling at speeds exceeding 20 knots before going dark, switching off its automatic identification system to conceal its location. At that pace, the carrier could enter the Arabian Sea by 23 January.
The Lincoln travels with a formidable escort: destroyers and nuclear-powered submarines providing comprehensive air and underwater protection. Aboard the carrier are between 48 and 60 F/A-18 strike aircraft, each capable of reaching targets up to 2,300 kilometres away without refuelling. To effectively strike Iranian targets, the carrier group would need to position itself in the northern Arabian Sea.
Even more significant is the potential deployment of Ohio-class guided missile submarines. These converted strategic ballistic missile submarines, known as SSGNs, function as underwater missile arsenals, each carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Their presence would dramatically amplify American strike capability.
Meanwhile, heavy C-17 military transport aircraft have been making repeated flights to Jordan's Mafraq Al Khawaja airbase between 20 and 22 January. Intelligence analysts suggest these flights are delivering Patriot 3 missile batteries to protect Israel from potential Iranian retaliation, which Tehran has explicitly threatened.
The United States could also deploy B2 stealth bombers from Diego Garcia or directly from the continental United States. With an 11,000-kilometre range and capacity to carry 20 tonnes of weaponry, these aircraft provide additional strategic options.
This military buildup mirrors last June's Operation Midnight Hammer, when America used both B2 bombers and Ohio-class submarines to target Iran's nuclear weapons programme. The critical question remains: what does Trump intend to achieve this time?
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Published By:
indiatodayglobal
Published On:
Jan 23, 2026
