US build-up of warships and fighter jets tracked near Iran

February 16, 2026

BBC Verify has used satellite imagery to confirm the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier's location off the coast of Oman, approximately 700 kilometers from Iran, marking a significant US military buildup in the Middle East. The deployment includes a dozen warships, multiple fighter jet squadrons, and support aircraft positioned across the region, with another massive carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, potentially arriving within three weeks. This military positioning coincides with upcoming US-Iranian negotiations in Switzerland regarding Iran's nuclear program and economic sanctions, though tensions remain high following Iran's deadly suppression of protesters.

Who is affected

Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
Iranian protesters who experienced a recent deadly crackdown
US military personnel (5,680 crew on Abraham Lincoln alone, plus crews on 11 other tracked ships)
US and Iranian officials participating in Switzerland negotiations
Israel (mentioned as potentially protected by US deterrent deployment)
Countries dependent on oil and gas transit through the Strait of Hormuz
Oman (hosting US naval presence off its coast)
Nations with US military bases in the region (Jordan, Bahrain)

What action is being taken

BBC Verify is tracking and confirming US military asset locations through satellite imagery
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is currently positioned off Oman's coast
US destroyers, combat ships, and fighter jets are stationed across the Middle East region
US cargo planes and refueling aircraft are moving toward the Middle East from the US and Europe
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is conducting maritime drills in the Strait of Hormuz
US and Iranian officials are meeting in Switzerland for a second round of talks

Why it matters

This represents a significant escalation in US military presence in the Middle East, demonstrating Washington's commitment to pressuring Iran over its nuclear program and human rights abuses. The deployment is strategically more substantial than previous US operations against Venezuela or even last year's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, indicating preparation for sustained engagement rather than a single operation. The Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian forces are conducting drills, is a critical global chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the world's oil and gas flows, meaning any conflict could severely disrupt global energy supplies. The military buildup serves as both preparation for potential strikes and a deterrent designed to protect US regional assets and Israel while providing leverage during nuclear negotiations.

What's next

US and Iranian officials will meet in Switzerland on Tuesday for nuclear program talks and discussion of lifting economic sanctions
The USS Gerald R Ford could arrive in the Middle East region within the next three weeks

Read full article from source: BBC