On February 17, 2026, tensions in the Middle East escalated significantly as the United States reportedly acquired the capability to launch 800 daily attacks on Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier, is now positioned just 700 kilometers from Iran, accompanied by a fleet of 12 warships, including three guided missile destroyers and 90 aircraft, comprising 5,680 personnel. This military buildup is further underscored by the imminent arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest U.S. aircraft carrier, expected to reach the region within three weeks. In response, Iranian forces are conducting military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, with Major General Mohammad Pakpour overseeing operations, indicating a heightened state of alert on both sides. As reported by Aaj TV, "the clouds of war are gathering over the Middle East," reflecting the dire sentiment surrounding the situation.