USS Abraham Lincoln enters Middle East; Tensions escalate in Iran

TEHRAN: With tensions mounting in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the United States made their first major move by sending US Navy's Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East on Tuesday. The fleet was urgently diverted from the Indo-Pacific region upon instructions. This move has thus strengthened rumours of US planning to conduct air strikes against Iran.

The Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln transited the Strait of Malacca on January 19. Three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers provided security during the voyage. The escort ships were the USS Frank E. Peterson Jr., the USS Spruance, and the USS Michael Murphy.

The US Central Command said the carrier strike group was deployed to the Middle East to ensure regional security and stability. The move brings thousands of additional US troops to the region. It is the first time a US aircraft carrier has been deployed to the Middle East since October. President Donald Trump said the military move is part of pressure against the government's crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran.

"A large naval force is on its way in that direction. But it's not certain whether they will have to be used," Trump said. Trump also warned that military action would be taken if peaceful protesters were sentenced to death en masse.

In addition to the Navy ship, the United States also assigned several fighter jets and cargo planes from the Pentagon area to take up the mission in Iran. The United States is increasing its military presence in areas adjacent to Iran, increasing the possibility of conflict in the Middle East. At the same time, US sources say that the United States is open to talks if Iran is ready for it.

Human rights activists allege that around 6,000 people were killed and more than 40,000 arrested in the protests that began in late December. However, the figures released by the Iranian government are lower.