Tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate, with 18 U.S. F-35A Lightning II fighter jets departing for the Middle East on February 16. This marks one of the largest single deployments of F-35 aircraft in recent months. Meanwhile, satellite imagery has shown a U.S. aircraft carrier near the coast of Oman. At the same time, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has been conducting military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz.
The second round of nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. is scheduled for February 17. Both sides, along with Israel, have laid out their respective "red lines" concerning nuclear energy and missile programs. The international community continues to actively mediate.
The U.S. has reinforced its military presence in the Middle East by deploying 18 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the Royal Air Force base in Lakenheath, UK. Supported by refueling aircraft, the jets flew in three-ship formations. This deployment is considered one of the most significant for the F-35 in recent months.
Satellite images from February 15 revealed the presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier off the coast of Oman. On the same day, the U.S. released footage of the carrier strike group conducting operations. The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the Middle East in January, and the U.S. has also dispatched the USS Gerald R. Ford to the region. The last time the U.S. maintained a dual-carrier presence in the Middle East was in April of last year.
Additionally, sources indicate that former U.S. President Donald Trump informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that if no agreement is reached with Iran, the U.S. would support Israeli airstrikes on Iranian ballistic missile facilities.
On February 16, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy conducted a military drill in the Strait of Hormuz. The exercise, named "Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz," aimed to assess the readiness of naval forces and review security plans and countermeasures against potential threats in the region. The Revolutionary Guard emphasized that the drill focused on rapid, decisive, and comprehensive responses to maritime security threats.
Key disagreements remain unresolved. The U.S. has demanded that Iran completely abandon uranium enrichment, limit its ballistic missile range, and cease support for regional proxy forces. Trump reiterated that the U.S. opposes any uranium enrichment by Iran and insists on addressing its ballistic missile stockpiles.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on February 15 that any agreement with Iran must meet several conditions: existing enriched uranium must be transferred out of Iran, uranium enrichment facilities must be dismantled, Iran's ballistic missile range must be capped at 300 kilometers, and Iran-backed regional alliances opposing Israel must be dismantled.
Iran has reaffirmed its willingness to reach a fair and balanced agreement that leads to the lifting of sanctions but insists on two non-negotiable "red lines": the right to peaceful nuclear energy and the preservation of its missile capabilities. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stated on February 11 that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and is open to inspections but will not yield to excessive or unjust demands. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian emphasized on February 16 that Iran will not submit to threats, stating that he arrived in Geneva with a genuine intention to reach a fair agreement.
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi announced on February 16 that he had held in-depth technical discussions with Iran's foreign minister in preparation for the upcoming talks in Geneva.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi met with his Iranian counterpart in Geneva on February 16 to discuss preparations for the second round of indirect talks between Iran and the U.S., scheduled for February 17. The talks will involve representatives from both sides, with Omani officials mediating. Both ministers stressed the importance of enhancing mutual understanding and working toward an agreement that serves the interests of all parties. Al-Busaidi reiterated Oman's commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy, contributing to regional stability, and preventing conflict.
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