U.S. naval assets in the Middle East — new map

Recent reports have revealed that approximately 30% of the U.S. Navy fleet is en route or already present in the Middle East. This includes the guided-missile sub USS Georgia which recently left Crete, as well as the ABE CSG which is just days away from the region.

According to the New York Times, an Iranian attack against Israel has been delayed in order to allow time for ceasefire negotiations. It is now expected to take place at a later date.

The current U.S. force posture in the Middle East resembles the surge that followed the October 2023 attack. Tehran appears to be giving mediators time to pursue cease-fire talks, as Israeli intelligence has noted a decrease in alertness among Hezbollah and Iran’s missile units.

The supercarrier USS Abraham Lincoln is currently en route to the Middle East from the Indo-Pacific, having recently transited the Strait of Malacca and entered the Indian Ocean on August 16. Meanwhile, the Wasp Amphibious Readiness Group is operating in the eastern Mediterranean, near Cyprus.

Additionally, the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) departed Crete, Greece on or around August 15. Ceasefire updates from a senior U.S. official in Doha indicate that progress has been made in negotiations, with a final proposal on the table and the aim to close out the process next week.

The U.S. has issued warnings of “cataclysmic consequences” should Iran proceed with an attack on Israel. It is clear that tensions in the region remain high, and the international community is closely monitoring the situation.

For further updates on the situation, you can follow Ian Ellis on Twitter.