The United States continues to build up its forces in the Middle East, with a significant naval deployment now positioned off Iran. According to a New York Post report based on maritime tracking data and sources involved in the matter, the U.S. aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush have entered the Gulf of Oman—a move that could signal preparations to reimpose a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Today, more than 20 U.S. Navy warships are patrolling waters across the Middle East as CENTCOM forces continue promoting regional security and stability. Last month, U.S. naval warships and aircraft transited the Arabian Sea in close formation, demonstrating unmatched American… pic.twitter.com/gnfRIKAYJl
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 8, 2026
Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced this week that more than 20 American warships are patrolling across the Middle East “to promote regional security and stability.” When asked whether the deployment signals preparations to reimpose a blockade on Iran, CENTCOM declined to comment on operational details.
According to the report, both carriers are operating within range of Iranian missiles—a detail that underscores the level of tension in the region. Retired Admiral Mark Montgomery, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said that when the United States prepares for missions involving naval blockade enforcement and escort operations in maritime passages, naval forces naturally move closer to Iranian threat zones.
Alongside the military moves, diplomatic efforts continue. A source involved in the details told the New York Post that a Qatari delegation has completed its visit to Iran after working in coordination with the United States to reduce tensions. The source added that Iranian officials are expected to travel to Oman for talks focused on the Strait of Hormuz and issues related to shipping routes passing through Iranian territorial waters.
The report comes after President Donald Trump announced this week that he considers the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran null and void, following Iranian attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Washington canceled the waiver that allowed Iran to export oil and carried out military strikes against targets along Iran’s coast. Despite the escalation, Trump expressed willingness to hold further talks with Tehran, though no formal negotiations between the two sides have been announced at this stage.