Published: February 20, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Updated: February 20, 2026 at 9:39 PM
Reading time: 2min – Video: 2min
Two American aircraft carriers, the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald R. Ford, are currently in the Mediterranean, a sign of an unprecedented show of force. Tensions are rising with Iran, between potential nuclear strikes and diplomatic negotiations, as sensitive sites in the country are partially hidden underground.
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Two American aircraft carriers mobilized in the same geographic area: a very rare occurrence and a strong signal. The USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by its three warships, is already in the region. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest, has just crossed the Strait of Gibraltar. It can be seen photographed on February 20 in the Mediterranean. On the same day, journalists asked Donald Trump if he is considering a limited strike if Iran does not reach an agreement. A succinct but clear response: “All I can say is that I am considering it.”
Hence the enormous firepower in the area: over 57,000 deployed American soldiers, hundreds of fighter jets, 14 warships, submarines, as well as replenishment tankers. The Iranians are preparing for possible strikes on their nuclear sites.
In a satellite image, a site disappears, along with three tunnel entrances. The same places, three weeks later, are buried underground. Iranians hope to mitigate the consequences of a strike. On another site in Taleghan (Iran), buildings that were visible in November on satellite images are now covered in dirt.
Iran still claims on the evening of February 20 to want a quick agreement with the United States. However, the supreme leader recently threatened to sink one of the American aircraft carriers in case of a US attack. Iranian authorities say they have not received any ultimatum from Donald Trump for over ten days, or even 15 days. This deadline, mentioned by the American president yesterday, seems to be losing its relevance.
