Fighter jets, carrier group deployed as Iran nuclear talks continue
February 18, 2026: The United States has rapidly expanded its military footprint in the Middle East, deploying more than 50 fighter jets to the region within 24 hours even as nuclear talks with Iran continue in Geneva. According to reports, advanced aircraft including F-22s, F-35s and F-16s arrived alongside aerial refuelling tankers, signalling readiness for sustained operations. The air buildup comes amid ongoing diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme.
In parallel, the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group has departed the Caribbean and is heading toward the Middle East, accompanied by guided-missile destroyers USS Mahan, USS Bainbridge and USS Winston Churchill. The USS Abraham Lincoln and other American forces were already operating in the region, underscoring a sustained military presence. As tensions mounted, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that even the world’s strongest military power could be struck decisively, cautioning against the growing US naval deployment.
The situation intensified further after Iran announced temporary live-fire drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil shipments. While both sides described the Geneva talks as making some progress, major differences remain unresolved. The simultaneous diplomatic outreach and military manoeuvres highlight the fragile balance between negotiation and escalation in the region.