Save Our Pak
Karachi (January 30, 2026): The United States has sent its naval fleet toward Iran amid rising tensions between the two countries. Questions are now being raised about how powerful this fleet is and whether it can be targeted or damaged.
Relations between Iran and the United States have reached a critical level. Reports suggest that the US may launch an attack on Iran at any time. Former US President Donald Trump has also publicly stated that an American naval fleet is moving in Iran’s direction.
The fleet is named after Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Its strength and capabilities were discussed by defense analyst Air Commodore (Retired) Khalid Chishti during ARY News’ program Eleventh Hour.
Air Commodore (R) Khalid Chishti said that this American naval fleet is the largest in the world. It weighs around 100,000 tons and can move at a speed of nearly 60 kilometers per hour at sea, which is extremely fast for an aircraft carrier. He added that the fleet can carry around 75 advanced fighter jets at one time.
He explained that the US claims this fleet cannot be sunk easily. One of its most important features is that it does not rely on normal fuel or external energy sources. Instead, it runs on a nuclear reactor, allowing it to remain at sea continuously for nearly 20 to 25 years.
However, Khalid Chishti noted that although the ship can stay at sea for decades, the human crew cannot. Because of this, crew rotation becomes necessary. Around 5,500 people, including technicians and other staff, are present on the ship at any given time.
He further stated that this is not the first time the fleet has been deployed. It has previously been used during military operations related to the Gulf region, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan, either from the sea or near coastal areas.
According to the retired air commodore, if the fleet is moved close to Iran during the current tensions, its massive size will make it both a major challenge and a visible target. He said it is not necessary to completely sink such a fleet to claim success. Even a limited strike—such as minor damage caused by a small missile or a gunboat—would be considered a major achievement for Iran.
He explained that when a smaller country manages to damage a much larger military power, even slightly, it is seen as a symbolic victory. He gave the example of last year’s Iran-Israel conflict, where Iran suffered losses but its counterattack still challenged Israel’s image of invincibility.
Khalid Chishti also pointed out an important historical fact. Since the Vietnam War, most US military operations over the past five decades were carried out under NATO’s support. This time, however, the United States may act alone, without NATO backing. He said that America’s track record of launching solo military operations without NATO has not been very successful.
Reported by Save Our Pak
