The US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has been located near Iran, confirming a notable build-up of US military forces in the Middle East. Satellite images show the carrier, along with its strike group of three guided missile destroyers, positioned about 700 km off Oman's coast in the Arabian Sea. The Abraham Lincoln carries 90 aircraft, including F35 fighters, and a crew of 5,680. This deployment marks the first time the carrier has been seen on satellite imagery since it reportedly arrived in the region in late January. The US has also sent the USS Gerald R Ford, the largest warship globally, expected to arrive in the area within three weeks. BBC Verify tracked 12 US ships in the Middle East, including destroyers and combat ships near Bahrain, the eastern Mediterranean, and the Red Sea. An increase in US fighter jets and support aircraft has also been spotted moving to bases in Jordan and the region. The US Central Command released images on February 6 showcasing the naval force, which Iran quickly responded to by launching a maritime drill in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The drill featured missile launches and highlighted Iran’s ability to control a vital oil transit route. Military expert Justin Crump said the current US deployment shows "more depth and sustainability" than previous operations like the Venezuela strike or last year’s air strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. He noted that the US build-up allows for "a fairly intensive and sustained strike rate" and serves as a strong deterrent, ready to respond to threats against US and Israeli assets. US and Iranian officials will meet in Switzerland for talks focused on Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of economic sanctions, while the military maneuvers continue to add tension to the region.