U.S. Navy aircraft carrier Lincoln [EPA Yonhap News]

A U.S. aircraft carrier has arrived in the Middle East as President Donald Trump considers military action against Iran.

The U.S. Southern Command, which oversees the Middle East, announced on its X (formerly Twitter) account on the 26th (local time) that the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has been deployed to the region to promote regional security and stability.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also reported, citing U.S. officials, that the Lincoln carrier strike group has entered the Middle East, thereby increasing the offensive and defensive capabilities that President Trump could use if he decides to conduct airstrikes against Iran.

President Trump has repeatedly stated that he could attack Iran, citing the Iranian government's violent suppression of anti-government protesters.

Regarding the movement of the carrier strike group, President Trump told reporters on the 22nd that a "large fleet" was heading to Iran, adding, "I hope nothing happens, but we are watching them (Iran) very closely."

According to the WSJ, the Lincoln carrier is equipped with F-35C and F/A-18 fighter jets, and EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft, while its three escort destroyers can launch Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Previously, there had been no aircraft carrier in the Middle East since the Gerald R. Ford carrier, which was originally stationed there, moved to the Caribbean in the fall of last year for military operations in Venezuela. The Lincoln carrier moved to the Middle East from the South China Sea.

The United States is reinforcing other military assets in the Middle East in addition to the carrier strike group.

F-15E fighter jets have been deployed to a base in Jordan, and air defense weapons such as Patriot and THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) are being deployed in the region to defend U.S. military bases and allies from Iranian counterattacks.

Meanwhile, according to CNN, although the aircraft carrier has arrived in the Middle East, it has not yet been finally positioned to conduct operations.

CNN reported that President Trump is considering options related to airstrikes against Iran, but there are no signs that he has made a final decision.