U.S. Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff, together with Jared Kushner and Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, visited the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea during its scheduled deployment. This visit coincides with increasing tensions with Iran, as recent talks in Oman addressed Iran’s controversial nuclear program. Witkoff emphasized the critical role of service members in maintaining safety and promoting the U.S. policy of 'peace through strength.'

During the visit, the delegation expressed appreciation for the sailors and Marines stationed on the aircraft carrier. Witkoff highlighted the significance of observing live flight operations and engaging with military personnel, including a pilot who had recently downed an Iranian drone that approached the carrier. His statement underlined a commitment to American military readiness and the importance of demonstrating U.S. resolve in the region where adversarial Iranian activities are monitored closely.

The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed in the region since January after leaving San Diego in November, signaling the U.S. military's ongoing commitment to presence in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East areas. The backdrop of heightened tensions with Iran underscores the importance of such visits, as they serve to reassure American allies and signal to adversaries U.S. readiness to respond decisively to provocations.