Episode notes
17 Feb 2026
The US is deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the Middle East, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln, signalling a potential military confrontation with Iran. This move comes amid stalled nuclear negotiations and Iran’s continued ballistic missile programme, as well as its brutal crackdown on protests. The US, alongside Israel, appears prepared to take military action against Iran if necessary.
The US is preparing for a potential multi-week conflict with Iran, deploying two aircraft carriers to the Persian Gulf. The US plan involves a sustained campaign of airstrikes targeting Iran’s military infrastructure and regime facilities, utilising F-35 and F-18 fighters, and Tomahawk missiles. Iran, aware of its disadvantage, is attempting to deter the US through asymmetric tactics and threats against US bases in the region.