Satellite Images 'Confirm' USS Abraham Lincoln Near Iran

BBC Verify reported on February 17 that satellite imagery has confirmed the location of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier near Iran, positioned outside Oman's coastline, approximately 700 kilometers from Iran. The US government continues to pressure Iran regarding its military program and the violent suppression of protesters in January. US and Iranian officials are scheduled to meet in Switzerland for second-round negotiations, with Iran focusing on nuclear projects and lifting economic sanctions, while the US wants to discuss additional issues. The Abraham Lincoln is a lead attack ship carrier group with 3 missile-equipped destroyers, 90 aircraft including F-35 fighter jets, and approximately 5,680 crew members. The ship was reportedly deployed to the Middle East in late January but was not visible in satellite imagery until this recent report. The satellite image from Sentinel-2 shows the carrier in the Arabian Sea, about 240 kilometers from the Omani coast. BBC additionally reports it is currently tracking 12 US naval vessels in the Middle East through satellite imagery, including aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered ships, and various destroyers positioned strategically in the Persian Gulf, Mediterranean, Red Sea, and nearby military bases.