U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited the USS Abraham Lincoln amid rising tensions with Iran, coinciding with discussions on limiting Tehran’s ballistic missile program.
U.S. special envoy for peace missions Steve Witkoff, accompanied by Jared Kushner and Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), visited the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea on Saturday. This scheduled deployment comes at a time of heightened tensions with Iran.
During the visit, Witkoff emphasized the importance of the service members’ roles, stating they were “keeping us safe and upholding President Trump’s message of peace through strength.” This visit followed recent talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Witkoff expressed gratitude to the sailors and Marines, sharing his experiences on social media. He noted, “We thanked the sailors and Marines, observed live flight operations, and spoke with the pilot who downed an Iranian drone that approached the carrier without clear intent.” He added, “Proud to stand with the men and women who defend our interests, deter our adversaries, and show the world what American readiness and resolve look like, on watch every day.”
The USS Abraham Lincoln departed from San Diego in November for the Indo-Pacific region and transitioned to the Middle East in January. The carrier’s presence underscores the U.S. commitment to maintaining military readiness in the region.
Adm. Cooper also commended the service members, stating, “I join the American people in expressing our incredible pride in the sailors and Marines of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. Their dedication to the mission and professionalism are on full display here in the Middle East as they demonstrate U.S. military readiness and strength.”
This visit coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming meeting with President Trump in Washington, D.C., scheduled for Wednesday. The discussions are expected to focus on Iran, particularly on limiting its ballistic missile capabilities and curtailing its support for militant groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas.
Netanyahu’s office indicated that the prime minister believes all negotiations must address these critical issues. The two leaders last met in September, and the current discussions are seen as pivotal in shaping future U.S.-Israel relations concerning Iran.
Following the Oman talks, President Trump described the discussions as “very good,” noting, “Iran looks like it wants to make a deal very badly.” He emphasized the need to evaluate the terms of any potential agreement.
The ongoing diplomatic efforts and military readiness reflect the complex dynamics in the region, as the U.S. continues to navigate its relationship with Iran while supporting its allies in the Middle East.
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