U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)

The U.S. military command responsible for operations across the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia. - Oversees dual carrier buildup; personnel adjustments for potential strikes; strike readiness by Feb 22

The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has been operational in the Arabian Sea since late January 2026, positioning U.S. forces within striking distance of Iran as President Donald Trump weighs military options over Tehran's crackdown on protests that began December 28, 2025. A second carrier—USS Gerald R. Ford—has joined in the Mediterranean, creating dual-carrier presence. On February 25, the U.S. deployed 12 F-22 Raptor stealth fighters to Ovda Airbase in southern Israel, marking the first F-22 deployment to Israel and signaling strike readiness against heavily defended Iranian targets. Over 85 fuel tankers and 170 cargo planes have surged assets since mid-February in the largest Middle East buildup since 2003.

Updated 3 days ago

US military command responsible for Middle East operations, including Operation Inherent Resolve. - Executing withdrawal from Syria

The United States began bombing ISIS targets in Syria in September 2014. Eleven years later, Washington announced it will withdraw all remaining troops within two months—ending a ground presence that once numbered over 2,000 soldiers. The withdrawal follows a cascade of changes: Assad's fall in December 2024, a new HTS-led government taking control, and an agreement integrating America's Kurdish allies into the Syrian national army.

Updated Feb 18