The United States has moved over 50 advanced fighter jets and a carrier strike group toward the Middle East. The development comes amid ongoing nuclear talks with Iran.
Published: February 18, 2026 8:59 AM IST
Second Carrier Strike Group Heading Toward Middle East
The USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier strike group, which is in the mid-Atlantic, has been deployed to the region. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Associated Press that the Ford is moving with three guided-missile destroyers – USS Mahan, USS Bainbridge and USS Winston Churchill. The carrier group is a week away from Iran. Notably, Washington has already deployed USS Abraham Lincoln and other major air and naval assets to the Middle East earlier this year.US-Iran Talks
Despite the visible show of force, both sides have struck a cautiously optimistic tone about diplomacy.Add India.com as a Preferred Source
The US officials stated that the Geneva talks made significant progress “there are still a lot of details to discuss.” After crucial meetings that involved Trump’s envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, the Iranian side said they will come back with more detailed proposals in two weeks “to address some of the open gaps in our positions,” the US official said.
On the other hand, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also described the ongoing talks as “serious, constructive and positive.” During an interview with Iranian state television, he said the discussions are “serious, constructive and positive,” stating that, “Good progress was made compared to the previous meeting, and we now have a clearer path ahead.”
“Ultimately, we were able to reach a general understanding on a set of guiding principles. This does not mean that we can reach an agreement quickly, but at least the path has begun.” Araghchi said.
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