USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Approaches Gulf of Oman Amid Rising Tensions
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and its carrier strike group (CSG) are set to arrive in the Gulf of Oman, enhancing the military options available to the U.S. Central Command in response to the ongoing situation in Iran. The deployment comes at a critical time, as tensions in the region continue to escalate. The Abraham Lincoln CSG has been tracked moving westward through the Straits of Malacca, overtaking the Iranian bulk carrier Arvin (IMO 9193202) during its transit. The CSG’s faster cruising speed allowed it to leave the Iranian vessel behind, emphasizing the operational capabilities of the U.S. Navy in the area.
The presence of the Abraham Lincoln CSG in the Gulf of Oman raises concerns about potential encounters with other naval forces. The Chinese 48th Flotilla, currently divided, has its Type 054A guided-missile frigate Daqing (F576) monitoring the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Meanwhile, the other vessels from the flotilla are returning to their base in Djibouti after participating in Exercise Will for Peace 2026 off the coast of South Africa. The 48th Flotilla is expected to require some time to regroup before resuming operations, during which their primary focus will likely be on the Abraham Lincoln CSG.
Russian Naval Forces and Iranian Activities in the Region
In addition to the Chinese naval presence, the Russian Pacific Fleet has also been active in the region. The Udaloy Class frigate RFS Marshal Shaposhnikov (F543) is currently in the Gulf after participating in the DIMDEX 2026 defense exhibition in Qatar. It is likely being supported by the Boris Chilikin Class oiler Boris Butoma (IMO 8842557). These vessels have recently completed a series of port calls across Southeast Asia, including stops in Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. The Gremyashchiy Class corvette RFS Gremyashchiy (F337) has since separated from the group and is returning to Vladivostok after making several port visits.
Moreover, the Russian Steregushchiy Class corvette Stoykiy (F545), which also participated in Exercise Will for Peace 2026, may continue its journey around Africa, potentially heading toward the Arabian Sea, where the Abraham Lincoln CSG is expected to operate. Historically, Russian and Chinese naval vessels have conducted port visits in the Gulf region around this time of year, often collaborating with Iranian forces in the annual trilateral Exercise Maritime Security Belt. However, it is anticipated that the Russians and Chinese will avoid direct involvement in any potential conflict between Iran and the United States, allowing Iran to confront the U.S. forces independently.
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On the Iranian side, the 103rd Flotilla has recently concluded its participation in the controversial BRICS Exercise Will for Peace 2026. This flotilla comprises the Iranian Navy’s forward base ship IRINS Makran (K441), the Bayandor Class corvette IRINS Naghdi (F82), and the IRGC’s converted oil tanker IRIS Shahid Mahdavi (L110-3). As of January 22, the 103rd Flotilla was reportedly en route back to Bandar Abbas, although it had not yet returned to its home berths. The situation in the Bandar Abbas Naval Harbor appears crowded, with several active frigates docked alongside, indicating heightened naval activity in the region.
