US increases military pressure on Iran ahead of talks

Chante Ho Hip

Chante Ho Hip

17 February 2026 | 11:13

The world's largest warship is on its way to Iran.

US increases military pressure on Iran ahead of talks

US aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/United States Navy

The US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has positioned itself near Iran, and a second carrier is on the way. 

The move comes amid pressure from Washington on Iran as officials from both countries are set to meet in Switzerland on Tuesday for a second round of talks as US President Donald Trump tried to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme. 

World news correspondent Adam Gilchrist said Iran launched military drills on Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international waterway and oil export route from the Gulf Arab states. 

“They staged these exercises with some missiles being fired.”

“The second aircraft carrier, set to be on its way, is the USS Gerald R. Ford, which is actually technically the world’s largest warship,” he said. 

To listen to Gilchrist in conversation with 702’s Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below:

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