US buildup of warships and fighter jets sets stage for potential war with Iran
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States has significantly escalated its military presence in the Middle East, deploying 13 warships and a fleet of advanced aircraft, including fighter jets and refueling planes. This buildup near Iran comes amid heightened tensions following President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal and his repeated threats of further military action if Tehran does not meet U.S. demands. The deployment includes the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, which is en route to the region with three destroyers. Such a large concentration of naval firepower is rare and could set the stage for potential conflict, as experts warn that the momentum of this buildup may be difficult to reverse.
The U.S. military has also sent F-22 stealth fighters, F-15, and F-16 warplanes, along with KC-135 refueling aircraft, to sustain operations in the region. This deployment coincides with Iran's crackdown on protests, which began as economic grievances but have evolved into a broader movement against the regime. Trump had earlier threatened military intervention if Tehran continued its violent response to the demonstrations. While he recently pulled back from ordering strikes following pressure from Washington, tensions remain high.
U.S. officials claim that this show of force is aimed at deterring Iran and signaling resolve in the region. However, some analysts caution that such a significant military presence could inadvertently increase the risk of accidental clashes or miscalculations between U.S. and Iranian forces. The situation is further complicated by ongoing nuclear talks in Geneva, where both sides have agreed on "guiding principles" for a potential deal but remain far apart on key issues.
This escalating confrontation has major implications for global geopolitics. A military conflict between the U.S. and Iran could destabilize the region, disrupt oil supplies, and escalate tensions with other world powers. The situation is closely monitored by international observers, who are concerned about the
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on France 24 on 2/19/2026