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Trump Orders USS Abraham Lincoln Deployment Amid Iran Tensions

8/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump ordered the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to deploy to the Middle East.
The Abraham Lincoln’s deployment exceeded 260 days, far longer than the typical six-month tour.
Trump said the Pentagon will scale back joint drills with South Korea because of Iran support.
Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies warned the deployment gap creates a window of opportunity for China, Russia and North Korea.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump ordered the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to deploy to the Middle East.
The Abraham Lincoln’s deployment exceeded 260 days, far longer than the typical six-month tour.
Trump said the Pentagon will scale back joint drills with South Korea because of Iran support.
Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies warned the deployment gap creates a window of opportunity for China, Russia and North Korea.